Liverpool took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott. Although manager Arne Slot had to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, the Premier League leaders still showed their superiority in the early stages of the match.

Harvey Elliott celebrates after making it 2-0 for Liverpool. Photo: AFP

Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring with a fine piece of skill as he beat the Southampton defender before passing the ball to Nunez for an easy finish. The second goal came after a combination between Wataru Endo, Cody Gakpo and Elliott, capping off a perfect first half for Liverpool.

However, Southampton came out firing in the second half. Cameron Archer reduced the deficit to 1-2 after taking advantage of a Mateus Fernandes error. The match became tense in the remaining 30 minutes as the home team continued to put pressure on the home team in search of an equalizer.

Southampton almost scored in the 61st minute when Archer tested goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher again. But the visitors’ goalkeeper was excellent in this one. Liverpool also missed chances to increase the lead, with Federico Chiesa and Alexis Mac Allister both failing to capitalise.

Darwin Nunnez makes a happy gesture towards the stands after opening the score. Photo: Reuters

The drama reached its climax in stoppage time when goalkeeper Alex McCarthy sent a long ball to Fernandes. Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah appeared to block the ball with his hand, but referee Simon Hooper refused to award Southampton a penalty.

The League Cup only uses VAR from the semi-finals onwards. As a result, referee decisions are not reviewed and become controversial.

Slot shared about this situation: “At first I thought the referee might blow the whistle, but when I watched it again, I realized that Jarell only used his hand to keep his balance. For me, it was not a handball foul, but the final decision always has to be made by the referee.”

This was Simon Rusk’s first game as Southampton manager after the sacking of Russell Martin. Despite being underdogs, Southampton put in a great effort and made Liverpool struggle. However, their limited squad depth meant they couldn’t make a difference against an experienced opponent.

Liverpool will have to wait another day to find out who their semi-final opponents will be. The draw will take place after Tottenham’s match against Man Utd tomorrow morning (Hanoi time). This weekend, Slot’s team will visit Tottenham in the round of 16 of the Premier League.