The Reds keep marching on despite Southampton’s spirited fightback

Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win at Southampton on Wednesday evening.

Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott found the net in the first half for a much-changed Red side without Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah.

Cameron Archer pulled one back for Southampton, managed by the interim boss Simon Rusk after sacking Russell Martin, tried to make a rousing comeback after the break.

But it was Arne Slot’s side who progressed as they look to retain their Carabao Cup crown.

Through the @Carabao_Cup semifinals! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/nzszAMwu7Z

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024

Due to a touchline ban incurred by picking up a third yellow card of the campaign during the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday, Slot watched from above in the stands at St Mary’s.

And the Liverpool boss would have been largely satisfied with the early viewing, the Reds quickly asserting their dominance in possession.

Youngsters Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, making their first senior start, saw plenty of ball but there was little penetration from the league leaders.

For Southampton, one of the most controversial issues of Martin’s reign this season had been his insistence on playing from the back.

That loud applause rang out throughout the stadium every time the Saints cleared their lines was a pretty telling indication of how the fans felt about it.

So there was a certain cruel irony about Liverpool’s first goal after a long ball from deep.

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided an assist of sorts when Jan Bednarek misfired his lofted pass into the path of Núñez.

Liverpool’s number nine took a touch before slotting past Alex McCarthy. With no VAR until the semi-finals, the goal stood and Núñez swerved to celebrate.

Shortly after two, Elliott grabbed his first of the season when he finished with an incisive pass down Liverpool’s left.

Harvey Elliott scores his first goal of the season! 💫 pic.twitter.com/OksUKPUySa

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024

For Southampton, who so often this term have conceded quickly after going behind, it all felt painfully familiar.

Alexis Mac Allister then drew a smart save from McCarthy to prevent a third, but Liverpool were in complete control until the break.

Southampton came out in the second half with a bit more spark and were rewarded for their efforts when Cameron Archer halved the deficit with a brilliant finish just before the hour mark.

Cameron Archer, what a goal! 😍 pic.twitter.com/Z3gq5r9NUT

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 18, 2024

It suddenly brought the hosts to life. Caoimhin Kelleher’s reflexes were sorely tested as Archer approached again moments later.

A proper cup tie seemed to be on the cards. With their tails up, Southampton looked much livelier.

They cleared a couple of half chances but couldn’t really test Kelleher.

In the end, Liverpool made themselves sweat for a victory that, in the first half, seemed inevitable.

Southampton’s second half was applauded at full time. Signs, perhaps, that there is still some fight left on this side.