Puel targets EFL Cup final success

Southampton manager Claude Puel says his side "go to Wembley to win this cup" following their EFL Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool.

Substitute Shane Long netted an injury-time winner, as Southampton beat Liverpool 1-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield on Wednesday night to secure a 2-0 aggregate win.

The Saints will face the winners of the other semi-final between Manchester United and Hull City at Wembley on 26 February, in their first major final since the 2003 FA Cup final.

"It is fantastic for all the squad and a good reward for their hard work," Puel said.

"It was difficult to find this opportunity to play a final at Wembley. In the two legs we deserved the win. We were fantastic in the first leg at home and tonight we had chances in the first half.

"In the second half it was difficult but now we go to Wembley, not just to participate but to win this cup. I have been there once, just to watch France beat England."

Saints' goalkeeper Fraser Forster says his 64th minute save from Emre Can was a crucial turning point in the game. The England goalkeeper spilled the German international's initial effort, but brilliantly recovered to claw the ball away from the goalline.

"I thought I did enough to get there but the footballing gods were with me in the end," he said.

"Luckily it didn't go in and we'll take that. We did enough in both legs, we created a lot of chances."

Photo Getty Images/Glyn Kirk

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