Liverpool have continued their wonderful away form as they have reached the semi finals of the League Cup after thrashing Southampton, 6-1 at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday.
Daniel Sturridge, who was making a comeback into the starting eleven, looked in prime form as he scored two crucial goals while his strike partner, Divock Origi scored a wonderful hat-trick. Jordon Ibe was the other goal scorer for Liverpool.
Though, victories against Manchester City and Chelsea of late were massive for Liverpool, this League Cup performance belongs in the same bracket where Jurgen Klopp's men looked too good for the home side.
Klopp had made some changes in the team from their last EPL game as he did not include players such as James Milner, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino among others in the starting 11, which opened the doors for other players like Joe Allen and Divock Origi, the latter played his best in Liverpool colours so far.
Apart from their dominant offensive display, Liverpool showed great character to come back from one goal down as the home team had struck in the 1st minute via Sadio Mane's header. Initially, Southampton were pressing very high and taking the game to Liverpool. Southampton, who had players such as Graziano Pelle in their ranks, were proving to be a problem when balls were fizzed in Liverpool's box.
All this changed when Liverpool got their first chance at goal and Sturridge, who is one of the best finishers when on song, drilled the ball low and hard past the Southampton's goalie in the 25th minute to draw level. Liverpool began to press further and Sturridge scored a brilliant second goal in the 29th minute, which was made possible by a terrific ball from Emre Can to the English striker.
Just when Southampton were preparing for the first half to end, Moreno hit a powerful shot, which was helped on its way by Origi before finding the back of the net during the dying minutes of first half. With it, Liverpool were 3-1 up at the end of first half.
Southampton were expected to come back strongly in the second half and they started the game well, but could not score as they were looking for that elusive goal to increase their chances of a comeback. Despite pressure from Southampton players, Liverpool defence were upto the task as they stood tall when required against players such as Pelle and Mane primarily.
Origi, who scored a wonderful goal in the 68th minute, put the game to bed, but that was not the end of Liverpool's party as Ibe scored a clinical goal in the 72nd minute to make it a night to remember for Liverpool fans. However the icing on the cake was done in the 86th minute when Origi completed his hat-trick as well.
Liverpool, who were the last team to book the semi final berth, will face Stoke City and Manchester City will meet Everton in the last four of the League Cup.
