‘Wonderful’ – BBC pundit wowed by what Liverpool star did v Southampton | OneFootball

Liverpool extended their fantastic unbeaten streak to 20 games across all competitions following a controversial 2-1 victory against Southampton in the EFL Cup.

Darwin Nunez broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when he pounced on a deflected slide-rule pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, which sat up nicely for the Uruguayan striker to slot home.

Nunez had missed a decent opportunity earlier but made up for it with a brilliantly taken effort, sending Arne Slot’s side on their way to victory.

Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool a much-needed two-goal cushion just after the hour mark, taking a pass from Cody Gakpo in his stride before finding the bottom corner on his weaker foot via a deflection.

Things got a bit nervy for Liverpool in the second period when Cameron Archer curled a brilliant effort past Caoimhin Kelleher to halve the deficit for Southampton.

The Saints ramped up the pressure in the dying embers, but Liverpool held firm to book a spot in the League Cup semi-final for the third time in four seasons.

One player who stood out was Alexander-Arnold, with the England international producing an impressive shift despite spending just 45 minutes on the pitch.

BBC pundit Francis Benali was particularly impressed by his role in the opener and was full of praise for the Liverpool vice-captain.

“It’s a wonderful piece of football from Trent Alexander-Arnold,” the former Southampton defender said on BBC Radio Live.

“He had two players around him but gets past both of them and drives forward before clipping the ball over to Darwin Nunez.

“Nunez does well to keep his composure, and he just tucks it home. There was only one outcome once Alex McCarthy slipped.”

Liverpool are still struggling to tie Alexander-Arnold to a new deal, and the defender could leave the club on a free transfer when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

There’s a general feeling that he’ll pledge his allegiance to the club, but they’re running out of time to strike a deal.