Player Ratings: Elliott and Núñez Grab Liverpool’s Win Over Southampton in Carabao Cup | OneFootball

Southampton 1 – 2 Liverpool Carabao Cup Player Ratings

The quarter-finals of the EFL Cup saw manager-less Saints host the Premier League leaders in an intriguing midweek tie at St Mary’s.

The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game in place of a rested Alisson Becker. From the outset, the talented keeper was authoritative and confident with both hands and feet.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was let down by his defence for the Saints goal, as a brilliantly struck shot curled into the top corner. A great save was needed shortly thereafter with the tails of the hosts fully up. Some further good work was needed late on type to ensure progression to the next round.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0

The England superstar started with a desire to be explosive on the ball, however, many of his ambitions to create searching through balls failed to meet the desired targets. Created the assist for the opening goal with a fortunate through ball that was deflected into space.

Subbed – 45 mins

Joe Gomez – 7.0

The centre-back / left-back hybrid was busy and industrious in his work, as he looked to cover ground and be the leader of the adjusted rearguard.

Subbed – 45 mins

Jarell Quansah – 7.0

The England under-21 international defender was the middle centre half that allowed plenty of positional movement around him.

After the halftime break the towering centre-back was perhaps at fault for the Cameron Archer goal, as he allowed him inside to pick his spot. Some good purpose was needed throughout the half, as the Reds clung to their lead.

Wataru Endō – 7.0

The captain and leader of Japan was tasked with a hybrid role as midfield destroyer and centre-back when required. His determination and ability to play under instruction were impressive as the Reds took control of the first half.

After the break, the 32-year-old fan favourite was unlucky with the Saints goal. Some good character and defensive play from the veteran showed his value to this squad.

Tyler Morton – 6.0

The England underage midfielder was productive and neat on the ball as energy flourished all around him in a solid first-half display.

As the encounter resumed, the former Blackburn loanee was shifted to right back to facilitate the half-time alterations. He was in part at fault for the Cameron Archer goal, as he ran across Quansah to allow the space to open up for the resulting shot. Struggled to adapt to this role.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0

The returning World Cup-winning Argentina star was the man that created tempo in the first half, as the visitors overwhelmed a broken host.

After the halftime team talk the former Brighton midfielder was limited in his output before leaving the field.

Subbed – 62 mins

Trey Nyoni – 6.0

The academy graduate was clever and lively in a spirited first half of endeavour, as he made his full debut for one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

In the second period, the young midfielder was bright and only positives can be taken from his debut.

Subbed – 86 mins

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch flyer was keen to test his marker and drive inwards at every opportunity. His eager and powerful running created space for others as he played an intelligent role in a solid first-half display.

As the game resumed, the output of the former PSV man was limited before he left the field.

Subbed – 62 mins

Darwin Núñez – 7.0

The Uruguayan striker was the man to open the scoring, as a free run on the ball allowed him time to pick his spot and score beyond helpless Alex McCarthy.

After the restart, the former Benfica man was a livewire who struggled to truly take advantage of the space ahead of him.

Harvey Elliott – 8.0

The England under-21 international was lively and energetic, with his goal being taken with the class that he has so often shown.

After the break, the former Fulham graduate was full of energy and purpose as he looked to work hard against a team that wanted to make this cup tie a real encounter.

Man of the Match

Substitutions

Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 45)

Came on to gain valuable game time and looked bright late on.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0 (on 45)

Came on to lighten to left back load and offer good width.

Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 62)

Came on to add more minutes to his legs.

James McConnell – 5.0 (on 62)

Came on to add stability, which did not transpire.

Jayden Danns – 5.0 (on 86)

Came on.

The Manager

Arne Slot – 7.0

The Dutch manager was keen to get some strong rotation in and set out a plan to attack and outnumber the Saints in the middle of the pitch.

All the substitutions were clearly pre-planned and carried out with The next Premier League game counter in mind.

Pre-match Prediction: Southampton 1 – 3 Liverpool