Liverpool secures semi-final spot but Slot is still not convinced about one player

• Liverpool edged past Southampton 2-1 to secure a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals, with goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott
• Cameron Archer’s second-half strike gave Southampton hope, but the Saints couldn’t find an equaliser under caretaker Simon Rusk
• Darwin Núñez broke his goal drought, scoring his fourth of the season from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long pass

Premier League table toppers Liverpool kept their hopes alive for a quadruple triumph this season, edging past Southampton 2-1 to book a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. 

Goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott ensured the Merseysiders maintained their charge, though an impressive Saints side nearly cut short their expectations. 

Núñez, whose performances have come under scrutiny this season, delivered the opener in the 24th minute. The Uruguayan latched onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long pass, slotting home with much composure to score just his fourth goal of the campaign. 

Not long after, Harvey Elliott doubled Liverpool's lead just before halftime, marking a special moment in his injury-marred season. 

Starting for the first time in months, Elliott capitalised on Cody Gakpo's excellent setup to slot in his first goal of the campaign. Liverpool looked poised for a dominant finish, but Southampton refused to fold.

Cameron Archer reignited Southampton’s hopes with a brilliant solo effort in the 59th minute. Cutting in from the left, Archer curled a sensational shot into the far corner, leaving Liverpool's defence momentarily stunned. The Saints pressed for an equaliser, creating tense moments in the dying minutes, but Liverpool held firm to secure victory.

During the post-match interview, the focus shifted to Arne Slot’s comments about a player’s return to action, widely speculated to be about Federico Chiesa. 

Slot, serving a touchline ban during the game, was however cautious in his assessment, 

“If a player is out for five or six months, you cannot expect him to be at his best straight away,” he stated, acknowledging ups and downs in the player’s performance. 

Slot’s remarks hinted at a need for patience as the Italian regains form, but his reservations sparked debate about whether he will fit seamlessly into a squad that boasts of Mohammed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo competing for minutes.

Liverpool now turns their attention to Tottenham Hotspur in what already looks like a thrilling but tense match, while Southampton face Fulham, hoping to claw their way out of the Premier League relegation zone. 

Mohammed Salah saves Reds from Saints in 5-goal thriller

Previously, TheRadar reported that Egypt’s Mohamed Salah once again proved to be Liverpool’s talisman as his brace helped the Reds to a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. The win shot Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The result keeps Liverpool firmly in control of the Premier League title race, with Salah’s display once again proving his value to the team.