Arne Slot watched as Liverpool’s backup players almost let a two-goal lead slip, but they held on to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott seemed to put Liverpool in cruise control early on, with the score at 2-0 after just 30 minutes against struggling Southampton. But a fine finish from Cameron Archer and a key save from Caoimhin Kelleher, denying Archer’s close-range effort, kept the Saints in the game. Late chances from Paul Onuachu and Ben Brereton Diaz also went begging.
“The first half was good,” Slot said after the match. “But we got a bit sloppy in the second half. We lost some easy balls, and they took advantage. It wasn’t a total surprise to concede.”
Slot, serving a one-match touchline ban, left Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah out of the squad, giving 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni his first start. Tyler Morton also started, and Jaden Danns and James McConnell came off the bench.
“This club has a history of bringing through young talent,” Slot explained. “It’s nice to see these players show they can play at this level. The next step is for them to play regularly for Liverpool.”
“We need to defend the trophy,” he continued. “I wasn’t on the touchline, but the players were. We want to compete in every competition, and it’s always tough. But this year, we’re ready.”
Meanwhile, interim Southampton manager Simon Rusk, unsure of his future, praised his players’ response after last weekend’s 5-0 loss to Tottenham, which led to Russell Martin’s sacking.
“Our priority was to be tough to beat after Sunday’s loss,” Rusk said. “The players took the change well. They prepared professionally for this match.”
“Some of them were probably disappointed, but we all have a responsibility to keep pushing forward and aim to win the next game. Their attitude has been fantastic.”
