- Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-0 at Anfield thanks to two goals from Jayden Danns and a goal from Lewis Koumas.
- This victory earned Liverpool a delicious FA Cup quarterfinal matchup with rival Manchester United.
Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-0 at Anfield thanks to two goals from Jayden Danns and a goal from Lewis Koumas. This victory earned Liverpool a delicious FA Cup quarterfinal matchup with rival Manchester United.
Liverpool broke a goalless tie in the 44th minute when 18-year-old Lewis Koumas made his debut with a deflected goal, despite being pushed back in the first half.
Danns scored his first two goals for Liverpool in the second half after coming off the bench, motivated by his teammate’s first senior goal to book his team’s spot in the FA Cup quarterfinal.
While Southampton will now focus on their attempt to be promoted from the Championship, Jurgen Klopp’s team can now look forward to an away matchup with Man United in the round of eight.
How Liverpool’s youngsters won
Lewis Koumas shone on his senior debut for Liverpool against Southampton. Photo/ Sky Sports
Within the first sixty seconds, Sekou Mara’s early strike was ruled out, while Kamaldeen Sulemana’s curling attempt struck the upright.
After that, Caoimhin Kelleher had to make several saves against Mara to keep the score at zero.
Even though Southampton’s opportunities decreased, the visitors were still able to penetrate Liverpool’s defense in the 37th minute when Kamaldeen deliberately drove into the box and fired directly at the unwavering Kelleher.
Harvey Elliott tried his luck from long range as the first half was coming to an end, and his powerful effort forced a good save from Joe Lumley.
A strong first-half performance by Liverpool’s youth team saw Cody Gakpo get a terrific opportunity but miss the finish after James McConnell set him up in the box.
Harvey Elliott’s sliding dive gave the Reds their first chance on goal forty-two minutes in, but the opening goal arrived two minutes later.
After trading passes with Bobby Clark down the left, Koumas cut inside and deflected a shot that went off Jan Bednarek’s extended leg and in at the near post.
Shortly after, Koumas managed to go by the Southampton keeper, and his low shot, deflected by Jan Bednarek, went to the bottom corner.
Just before halftime, Koumas slipped in Gakpo for a great opportunity to make it two, but Saints goalie Joe Lumley put a knee out to deny that wonderful opportunity.
Kelleher made crucial saves to keep Liverpool in the game. Photo/ Sky Sports
Following the interval, the Saints continued to have opportunities as Jan Bednarek and Aribo both shot at the near post from corners before Sulemana was stopped at the back post by Kelleher following strong work from Samuel Edozie.
Following the restart, Russell Martin’s team kept creating and squandering opportunities. Kamaldeen’s near-post attempt was saved by Kelleher, and Shea Charles, who was unmarked, struck the side netting with a shot after the ball had kindly fallen to him from a corner.
In the end, Danns’ brace on his third senior appearance after coming off the bench left the Saints lamenting those wasted chances.
To start, the 18-year-old attacker punished Will Smallbone for allowing Elliott to get control in his half by coolly lifting the ball over the charging Lumley.
Danns was celebrating his second goal for the Reds in the 88th minute when he pounced on a rebound and guided the ball into the waiting net. It was his first goal for the team.
It remains to be seen if these young players will play at Old Trafford in the upcoming round, but they have undoubtedly had their chance to shine.
Liverpool will start getting ready for their Premier League away match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday now that they have confirmed their spot in the quarterfinals, while the Saints will head to St. Andrews to play Birmingham City in the Championship.
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