Redmond leaves Liverpool red
Southampton, Jan. 12: Southampton edged one step closer to the League Cup final as Nathan Redmond’s cool finish secured a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the semifinal first leg on Wednesday.
Claude Puel’s side went in front through Redmond’s first half strike at St Mary’s and only a strong display from Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius prevented Southampton from winning by more.
Southampton haven’t reached the League Cup final since 1979 when they were beaten by Nottingham Forest.
But by ending a run of four games without a win in all competitions they are now within touching distance of facing Manchester United or Hull at Wembley. With United having won the first leg against Hull 2-0, Liverpool would love to face their old rivals at Wembley, especially after losing to Manchester City on penalties in last season’s final. But Jurgen Klopp’s team, without a win in their last three games, will need to improve significantly to overturn the deficit in the second leg on January 25.
Klopp’s team had routed Southampton 6-1 in the League Cup quarterfinals last season and, with the hosts missing dropped captain Jose Fonte, a lively start suggested another emphatic display was possible. Defender Nathaniel Clyne had Liverpool’s first effort when his goalbound strike was blocked by Steven Davis.
Roberto Firmino had a better chance when Adam Lallana knocked a high ball down for the Brazil forward, but his powerful shot was close enough to Fraser Forster for the goalkeeper to tip over.
But Liverpool’s aggressive intent was undermined by their lack of focus at the back and Redmond drew a fine stop from Karius in Southampton’s first incisive attack.
Puel’s side weren’t to be denied for long and in the 20th minute a woeful miskick from Reds defender Ragnar Klavan allowed Jay Rodriguez to thread a pass to Redmond, who advanced into the penalty area before slotting into the far corner for his first goal since October.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, Liverpool were toothless in attack and the eight-time League Cup winners almost fell further behind in the 43rd minute. — AFP