It was then a case of shutting the door and ensuring Liverpool did not become the first team to breach Southampton's rearguard in the League Cup this season. "It is fantastic for all the squad and a good reward for their hard work," Southampton manager Claude Puel told Sky Sports. "In the second half it was difficult but now we go to Wembley, not just to participate but to win this cup." With Sadio Mane playing for Senegal in the African Nations Cup and Nathaniel Clyne out injured, Liverpool only fielded two Southampton old boys, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, at Anfield on Wednesday. Daniel Sturridge wasted two glorious opportunities to level the tie, but after they went begging Liverpool again struggled to break though a resilient Saints rearguard.

Source: Economic Times January 25, 2017 23:56 UTC