Anfield on Wednesday witnessed a historic night in the history of English club Southampton, who managed to get into a cup semi-final after more than 30 years. Second half substitute Shane Long put the game to bed in stoppage time as Liverpool tried to pile on the pressure in the dying minutes of a game that but failed to dominate over two-legs.
Southampton are now the first team ever in the history of the League Cup to enter the final without conceding a single goal in the previous rounds, including clean sheet victories against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp, on the other hand, faced his first loss as a manager in a cup semi-final and here are the player ratings for the Liverpool players in their 2nd consecutive loss at the Anfield, which ended their League Cup journey:
Loris Karius (7):
The German goalkeeper was Liverpool’s best player over two legs as he managed to keep them in the tie with a couple of tremendous saves at Anfield.
Trent Alexander Arnold (6):
Put in a decent performance going forward but was no match to Nathan Redmond on the flank as he was often caught out of position in the first half.
Joel Matip (5):
Another player who was tormented by the winger, Matip failed to keep tabs on Redmond and had a rather nervy return to the first team.
Dejan Lovren (5):
Gave away the ball too cheaply on too many occasions but put in a strong performance at the back to keep Liverpool in the game.
James Milner (5):
Was wayward with his passing all day and his set-piece delivery was also not at its best on a night where he could have been more productive.
Jordan Henderson (5):
Did well to keep the midfield rolling for the Reds but just could not do enough to take his side to Wembley.
Emre Can (4):
Hardly had any imagination on the night as he stuck to simple passes and was the first player to be withdrawn in the second half.
Adam Lallana (5):
The English midfielder has not been effective enough in the last few games and he failed to create enough for his side to keep them in the competition.
Roberto Firmino (6):
Put in a decent shift in the final third as he came close a couple of times and was also at his best, nicking the ball off the visitors.
Daniel Sturridge (4):
Started centrally, drifted wide, deep, but failed to have any impact on the game. Was starved of service, but fluffed a couple of simple chances to take his side to Wembley.
Philippe Coutinho (5):
Tried his best to break the Southampton defense, but does not look to have gotten to his previous best yet after coming back from an injury.
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Divock Origi (6):
Came in too late to have an impact but should have won a penalty none the less seconds before Long’s goal at the other end.
Georginio Wijnaldum (5):
Replaced Philippe Coutinho with minutes to play and could not do much to give Liverpool a sniff at the final.