Southampton 1-2 Liverpool PLAYER RATINGS: Which Reds star was brilliant in an unfamiliar position? Who showed encouraging signs? And which midfielder was a force all evening?

Liverpool progressed to the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night after they beat Southampton 2-1.

Arne Slot, who was serving a touchline ban, selected a youthful and much-changed line up at St Mary’s. 

However, they showed no signs of any rust or inexperience with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott putting the Reds 2-0 up in the first half as the Saints continued to struggle following Sunday’s 5-0 hammering by Tottenham.

They did fight back in the second half – and Cameron Archer’s stunning strike helped to ensure a nervy finish.

But, Slot’s side survived despite some late pressure to hold on and progress to the final four as the Dutchman chases his first trophy with the club. 

Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at St Mary’s and has rated those who were in action.

Arne Slot was watching on from the stands at St Mary’s, with the Dutchman serving a ban

He selected a heavily rotated and youthful side, but the Reds did enough to secure the win

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3):

Caoimhin Kelleher (7.5)

One of eight Liverpool changes. Made a simple save to deny Tyler Dibling early on but had no chance for Cameron Archer’s goal. Though made a huge one-handed stop to deny Archer getting an equaliser.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7)

Led the side and had a comfortable first-half, playing a massive part in Liverpool’s opener. Replaced at the break for Federico Chiesa as Arne Slot gave him a rest.

Jarell Quansah (6.5)

Should have done better for Archer’s goal with the Southampton striker cutting in and getting a shot away but it was a terrific strike. Was good on the ball with 92 touches on the night – more than anyone else. Perhaps lucky to get away with a late penalty shout.

Endo (8)

With Virgil Van Dijk at home and Ibrahima Konate out with injury, the Japanese international started at centre-half and was brilliant, often going into central midfield when in possession. Made more tackles (3) than any other Liverpool player and was solid all night.

Endo put in a brilliant performance despite filling in in an unfamiliar position at centre-half 

Trent Alexander-Arnold (second left) led the side and played a huge part in the opening goal

Caoimhin Kelleher made a huge one-handed stop to deny Cameron Archer an equaliser

Joe Gomez (6.5)

Started at left-back and did a brilliant job on Tyler Dibling before he too was given a rest as the returning Kostas Tsimikas replaced him at half-time

Alexis Mac Allister (6.5)

Showed his class on his return from suspension and was denied a brilliant goal when his volley was kept out by Alex McCarthy.

Tyler Morton (6.5)

The 22-year-old started in central midfield and had a decent first-half before shifting to right-back at the break, when Alexander-Arnold went off. Will be disappointed with how easily Archer turned him for Southampton’s goal.

Trey Nyoni (7)

Plenty of encouraging signs on the 17-year-old’s first start for Liverpool as he showed a maturity beyond his years and showed he can play at this level, regularly getting on the ball and interchanging throughout midfield. Replaced for Jayden Danns late on.

Harvey Elliott (7.5)

His first start of the season, capped off with a lovely finish for Liverpool’s second goal. Was a force all evening and Arne Slot will be pleased to see the 21-year-old back fit, firing and ‘hungrier than ever.’

Darwin Nunez (7)

Had a wayward effort early on that was met with chants of ‘You’re just a s*** Andy Carroll’ by the home fans. Then scored a couple of minutes later with a simple finish and cupped his ear to the same fans. Just a standard day in the life of Darwin Nunez, really. Didn’t stop all night.

Cody Gakpo (7)

Got the assist for Elliott’s goal with some wonderful work, cutting in from the left flank and caused Southampton problems all evening, before he was replaced by Diogo Jota just after the hour mark.

Harvey Elliott also shone as he continues to return to full fitness following his injury

17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni showed encouraging signs on his first start for Liverpool

Subs

Federico Chiesa (6)

A quiet 45 minutes though came close to scoring with a rifled left-footed strike late on that was cleared off the line.

Kostas Tsimikas (6)

Had a fortunate moment with a risky backpass when the score was 1-2 but on the whole, an important 45-minutes for the Greek international.

Diogo Jota (6)

Came on for Gakpo just after the hour mark but failed to get a strike on goal.

James McConnell (6)

Replaced Mac Allister in the 63rd minute and was assured in the middle of the park.

SOUTHAMPTON (5-3-2): McCarthy 7; Harwood-Bellis 6, Wood 5, Bednarek 5 (Brereton Diaz 84); Bree 5 (Sugawara 60, 6), Aribo 6 (Lallana 84), Downes 6 (Sulemana 73, 6), Fernandes 6, Manning 6; Dibling 7, Archer 7 (Onuachu 73, 6).