KUCHING: Liverpool advanced to the League Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium earlier yesterday (Dec 19).
This marks a record 20th appearance for the club in the competition’s final four.
The visitors, fielding a rotated side with eight changes to their starting lineup, took the lead in the 24th minute.
Darwin Nunez, ending a six-match goal drought, pounced on a defensive misstep from St. Mary’s Stadium to slot home with composure following a precise pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool doubled their advantage just eight minutes later. Harvey Elliott, a bright spark in midfield, found the net with a well-placed low drive from 12 yards — his first goal of the season. The Merseyside club controlled the first half, dominating possession and limiting Southampton’s opportunities.
The hosts rallied in the second half and halved the deficit in the 59th minute through Cameron Archer. The young forward curled a sublime effort into the top corner from the edge of the area, offering a glimmer of hope for the struggling Saints.
Southampton pressed for an equaliser and were incensed when a strong penalty appeal for a late challenge by Jarell Quansah on Mateus Fernandes was dismissed. Despite their best efforts, the home side fell short, compounding a difficult week following the departure of manager Russell Martin.
For Liverpool, it was another professional performance under Arne Slot, who watched from the stands while serving a touchline ban.
The result kept the Reds’ impressive form intact, having suffered just one defeat in 24 matches across all competitions this season. As they progress to the semi-finals, Liverpool continue their pursuit of defending the trophy they lifted last term Courtesy of TV Sarawak’s (TVS) Carabao Cup quarter-finals free-to-air broadcast.
