Liverpool FC are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. After a very bumpy start against Southampton, the young Reds team ultimately secured a clear home win
Jürgen Klopp had hoped for nothing less than “miracles” in terms of personnel before the game against the Saints – but was not allowed to experience them. The Reds, who were still reeling from their League Cup triumph against Chelsea and had to pay dearly for the injuries to Gravenberch and Endo, started the FA Cup with six new players and an even younger starting eleven. For example, 18-year-old Koumas made his professional debut
Of course, Russell Martin’s team were also aware of the hosts’ worries and, despite eight (!) changes, were present from the very first second and were already celebrating their first goal after half a minute. However, Mara was clearly offside when he scored, but the scene nevertheless laid the foundations for the opening minutes, in which Southampton missed several great chances to make it 1-0. The striker himself failed to beat Kelleher twice (6th, 11th), while Sulemana only hit the post (5th).
Koumas scores in first game
Having somehow escaped the false start, LFC then gradually got into the game better. Although Rothwell (18) and Sulemana (38) had further dangerous moments for the Saints, the home side’s high pressing was increasingly effective against the visitors’ risky build-up play. Gakpo created the first chance (21) before Liverpool finally stepped on the gas in the final minutes of the first half. Elliott failed to beat Lumley with a long-range shot (42′), who was beaten moments later by Koumas of all people (45′). The debutant almost followed up his first goal with his first assist. However, Gakpo missed (45.+1).
In the second half, it initially looked like the abundance of chances would continue seamlessly. On the one hand, Sulemana missed the next top-class chance (48′), while Gakpo followed suit on the other (52′).
Overall, however, the increasingly confident hosts kept things quiet. But when the Reds allowed something to happen, things got really dicey. This was also the case in the 68th minute when Charles got free in front of Kelleher.
Joker Danns scores twice
Perhaps also awakened by this opportunity, Liverpool stepped up a gear again, pushed for a preliminary decision and scored it in the person of substitute Danns, who also celebrated his first professional goal at the age of 18 (73′). However, the attacker with the eye-catching head of hair did not have enough: After Gakpo was unable to make it 3:0 following a solo run (85′), Danns even scored a brace to make it 3:0 (88′).
This was Southampton’s fourth loss in their last five competitive matches. They will therefore have to do some rebuilding work ahead of their visit to basement club Birmingham on Saturday (6pm). Liverpool FC, on the other hand, have won their fifth competitive match in a row and will face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals. However, before they face the Red Devils, Jürgen Klopp’s charges will face their opponents in the round of 16 on Saturday. The Reds host Nottingham Forest from 4pm and will be looking to pick up points in the Championship race.
