Liverpool bow out of League Cup semis
LIVERPOOL: Southampton F.C. reached the League Cup final for the first time since 1979 as Shane Long grabbed the goal that sealed a memorable 1-0 victory over Liverpool F.C. in the semifinal second leg on Wednesday.
Leading by Nathan Redmond’s goal from the first leg two weeks ago, Claude Puel’s side showed great resolve to survive a barrage of second-half pressure at Anfield before securing their 2-0 aggregate triumph when Long struck late on.
The visitors spurned three good chances to extend their aggregate lead in the first half, but were grateful Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge missed two excellent opportunities after the interval.
Saints will face Manchester United or Hull at Wembley on February 26 as they bid to win the competition for the first time.
United are their likely opponents as they hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg at Hull on Thursday.
Southampton arrived at Anfield without their reliable centreback Virgil van Dijk, ruled out with the ankle injury he sustained during Sunday’s win over Leicester.
In Van Dijk’’s absence, Jack Stephens made only his fourth start for the club and, having begun nervously by miscuing a back pass out for a corner, he grew in confidence, making a timely interception to prevent a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross from reaching Roberto Firmino.
In the first half, Liverpool laboured as Southampton defended solidly and even when chances came the hosts couldn’t convert them.
The home fans were convinced their team should have had a penalty with seven minutes left, but Long survived a loud appeal for handball.