Southampton take narrow semi-final lead

Southampton will take a one-goal advantage to Anfield in a fortnight after beating a disappointing Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at St Marys.

Nathan Redmond capitalised on a defensive mistake from Ragnar Klavan in the 20^th minute to fire home for the Saints, and should have at least doubled his side’s slender lead on a couple of occasions throughout the tie.

Despite the loss, Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp will fancy their chances of turning around the one-goal deficit, but if Southampton display the fine defensive qualities they did in the first, the Reds could be in for another frustrating tie.

The Saints will be disappointed not to have added to their slim advantage, but know a repeat performance will see them book a place in the final on February 26.

Liverpool - who were playing in their record 17^th League Cup semi-final – carved out the first opportunity in the 18^th minute after Roberto Firmino forced a save from Fraser Forster following a clever knock-down from former Saint Adam Lallana.

Southampton, after a quite start, were looking a threat going forward, while Liverpool, for all their possession, failed to penetrate the host’s backline in the first-half.

Redmond has never scored two goals in one game for any side, and the former Norwich City player should have rectified that and doubled his side’s advantage when Ryan Bertrand found the him free at the back-post, but the 22-year-old’s shot was once again well-met by Loris Karius.

The visitors struggled to make an impression in the final third, and just as it seemed the Reds were working their way back into the tie, Southampton could have added a second after the ever-present Redmond played in Cedric after a slick counter-attack, but the 25-year-old poorly sliced his effort wide.

Despite an under-whelming performance from their side, the travelling supporters were given something to shout about when Philippe Coutinho was re-introduced following the Brazilian’s absence since November.

Substitution Shane Long picked out Redmond in the 85^th minute with a wonderful ball across the box, but the midfielder’s chipped attempt beat Karius for the second time but was cleared off the line by Dejan Lovren.

Liverpool will turn their attention back to the Premier League where they travel to face rivals Manchester United in a crunch-clash on Sunday, while Southampton face Sean Dyche’s Burnley on Saturday.

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