Liverpool’s defence of their League Cup crown continues after knocking Southampton out of rivalry on Wednesday, however are the additional two video games a great factor for the Reds?
Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott‘s objectives had been sufficient to soundly see Liverpool by way of to the final 4, with their destiny within the semi-finals to be determined in Thursday night’s draw.
Arne Slot was in a position to relaxation key figures and hand out useful minutes to fringe gamers, all of the whereas sustaining his spectacular document with 20 wins from 24 video games in all competitions.
Liverpool’s development ensures the wall-to-wall schedule continues, with a two-legged semi-final in opposition to one in all Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United/Tottenham to await within the new yr.
Right here, Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) and Elli (@LFCZA) talk about the win at Southampton and the implications of the semi-final.
The great…
ELLI: I actually favored the way in which that our children appeared so simply built-in into the fashion of play and techniques that Slot has instilled since becoming a member of.
Nyoni, regardless of his age, didn’t look misplaced amongst older gamers within the squad.
None of them appeared to have felt intimidated by taking part in in opposition to a aspect with nothing to lose (even with the poor situations).
JOANNA: I used to be actually happy to see that Slot made as many adjustments as he did – it actually felt like if we gained, nice and if we didn’t, it’d be ‘OK’.
It was not probably the most entertaining match that’s for positive, nevertheless it at the least allowed for considerably stress-free viewing till the commentators did their greatest to try to make it dramatic on the finish.
Chiesa is again, Jota obtained extra minutes, Nyoni had his full debut, Nunez scored and we’re by way of to the semi-final – beautiful.
Endo was my Man of the Match, I believed he was excellent contemplating his lack of rhythm and that he was tasked with freely transferring up and down the pitch. He could be trusted, and I’d prefer to see extra of him so Ryan Gravenberch doesn’t get burnt out.
The dangerous…
JOANNA: There are usually not too many complaints with this one because the disjointed nature of the efficiency was to be anticipated with the younger faces and so many adjustments.
Simon Hooper continued to frustrate with a few of his decision-making, however what’s new there?
ELLI: I feel the defence struggled (once more, factoring within the poor situations).
Quansah continues to be making some poor choices and I really feel it’s a results of him not getting sufficient recreation time because of Slot’s reluctance to rotate.
JOANNA: That may be a good level, Elli. Quansah seems to be quick on confidence and each misstep solely exacerbates it. We’ll want him lots this season so hopefully he turns a nook quickly!
And the way do you’re feeling about two extra video games added to the calendar – and who do you need to draw within the semi-final?
JOANNA: I’ve seen loads of contrasting views on Liverpool progressing within the competitors, and so they all have benefit.
The additional midweek video games might be vital (as we noticed final season), however you simply need to hope that when the tie comes round Slot has a plethora of choices so he can rotate if he needs to.
We’re the title holders and one other time out at Wembley is what it’s all about, so why not the League Cup?
We’ve just about assured a top-eight spot within the Champions League so we’ve got flexibility, and Slot will know that an early trophy would undoubtedly go down properly. I’m all for it.
As for who I’d like within the draw, I’m leaning in the direction of Newcastle because it stands.
ELLI: I’m comfortable we’ve made it by way of to a different semi-final, particularly in Slot’s first season.
I feel it provides our children one other alternative to shine – though I feel some extra senior gamers will take over the reins within the semi-final.
The membership exists to win trophies, and that is simply par for the course for a membership like Liverpool. Though, I do hope we bolster the squad with just a few high quality signings in January.
With Spurs nonetheless to face United, we gained’t know who the fourth membership might be till later, however regardless, I’d prefer to keep away from Arsenal or United and, such as you Jo, face Newcastle.
Southampton 1-2 Liverpool
