Home Entertainment ‘We could have been 2-0 up’ – Southampton coach was helpless when he called Kelleher’s incredible saves are the key to victory for Liverpool

‘We could have been 2-0 up’ – Southampton coach was helpless when he called Kelleher’s incredible saves are the key to victory for Liverpool

Entertainment — 02/29/2024

Southampton boss Russell Martin has hailed Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher after his display on Wednesday night.

Kelleher was again given the nod in goal for the FA Cup tie against Southampton with Alisson still out injured.

The Irishman was outstanding in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat of Chelsea and turned in another strong display on Wednesday night.

Kelleher made a string of vital saves in the first half to keep Southampton at bay as the Championship side produced a strong start.

Martin: Scoreline not a fair reflection | Article | Southampton FC Official Site

Those saves proved to be vital as Liverpool took the lead through Lewis Koumas and then gained real control of the game.

Jayden Danns stole the show with his brace off the bench to give Liverpool a 3-0 lead and a passage into the quarter-finals – but Saints boss Russell Martin was seemingly most impressed with Kelleher.

Martin spoke to ITV after the final whistle and drew attention to the performance of Kelleher.

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The Southampton boss felt that Kelleher made ‘really incredible’ saves to keep the Saints at bay early on.

Martin believes that Southampton should have been 2-0 up early on but Kelleher stood in their way.

“I don’t think it’s a fair reflection,” said Martin. “I think we’ve had the better chances in the game, I think we could have been 2-0 up before they even got close to our goal and I think the difference is the quality in finishing but I’m really proud of our performance.”

“It’s quality, it’s composure… their goalkeeper made some really incredible saves, so I guess it’s all of that combined,” he added.

The last few days have been huge for Kelleher.

The Irishman helped win the Carabao Cup on Sunday by stepping up with a magnificent performance against Chelsea.

Kelleher followed that up with another impressive performance against Southampton, recording two clean sheets in a short period of time.

Kelleher has once again shown that he is a superior goalkeeper and among the best “backup” goalkeepers available, in case there was any doubt.

Kelleher is a blessing for Liverpool since he provides cover for Alisson, and Klopp can rely on him to perform well when needed.

There is concern that Kelleher may choose to play first-team football away from Anfield, but after witnessing him excel in goal once more, Liverpool will be able to fetch a high price for the goalkeeper.