The Reds continue despite struggling Southampton

Liverpool moved into the last four of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday evening.

Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott found the net in the first half for the Reds who were without either Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah.

Cameron Archer returned one as Southampton, under the watchful eye of the long-serving boss After Simon Rusk was sacked by Russell Martin, tried to climb back up after the break.

But it was Arne Slot’s side who stepped up as they looked to retain their Carabao Cup crown.

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

– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 18, 2024

Due to a touch ban after picking up a third yellow card of the season in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, Slot was in charge at St Mary’s.

And if the Liverpool boss was satisfied with the early sightings, the Reds were quick to prove their dominance.

Youngsters Tyler Morton and 17-year-old Trey Nyoni, starting big, saw a lot of football, but there was no way in from the league leaders.

For Southampton, one of the biggest challenges in Martin’s tenure this season has been to keep playing at the back.

The loud cheers that could be heard in the stadium every time the Saints cleared their lines was an indication of how the fans felt about the matter.

So there was something cruel about Liverpool’s opening goal after a long, deep ball.

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided an assist of sorts when his lofted pass was flicked by Jan Bednarek into the path of Nunez.

Liverpool’s number nine touched down once before slotting past Alex McCarthy. With no VAR until the semi-finals, the goal stood and Nunez walked away happily.

Less than two minutes later, Elliott scored his first goal of the season after completing a move to Liverpool’s left wing.

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

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

For Southampton, who are often quick to accept this statement after a setback, it all makes sense.

Alexis Mac Allister then made a smart save from McCarthy to avoid a third but Liverpool leveled at the break.

Southampton came out of the second half with more spark and were rewarded for their efforts when Cameron Archer reduced the deficit with a fine finish just before the break.

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

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

Suddenly it gave life to the inhabitants. Caoimhin Kelleher’s determination was severely tested when Archer went close again moments later.

A proper cap strap seemed to be on the cards. With their tails up, Southampton look very interesting.

He got a lot of chances without testing Kelleher.

Jarell Quansah was perhaps lucky not to see red when he brought down Mateus Fernandes late on. In the end, Liverpool went ahead but sweated away a victory that, watching the first half, looked inevitable.

Southampton’s plucky second-half display drew regular applause from the crowd. Signs, perhaps, that there is another fight left on this side.