After winning the League Cup final at Wembley, Liverpool’s young guns were at it again on Wednesday night.
This time in the FA Cup and against a vibrant, brave and promotion-pushing Southampton side managed by Russell Martin.
Even the most ardent of Liverpool fans, and Jurgen Klopp himself, will admit that his team were lucky not to fall behind, not once, but on two occasions during their 3-0 win.
That’s why Russell Martin was left frustrated in his post-match interview because he thinks his team had the ‘better chances’ and how he ‘doesn’t think Lewis Koumas’ opening strike was a great goal, as he told ITV Sport.
The 18-year-old wrote his name into Liverpool’s history by scoring his first goal for the club with a well-taken edge-of-the-box finish, but in the end, it was his teammate Jayden Danns who stole the headlines with his brace.
Whilst the man in the opposition dugout wasn’t impressed by what he was seeing from the Anfield academy products, the Liverpool fans certainly loved it.
Although, it has to be said, the Saints boss did acknowledge goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and how he made some ‘really incredible’ saves.
Russell Martin on Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Southampton
“I don’t think it’s a fair reflection,” said Martin. “I think we have had the better chances in the game. We could have been 2-0 up before they even got close to our goal. I think the difference is the quality of finishing.
“I am really proud of our performance. There was more than promise. I think there was some really outstanding football. Some real bravery. Some real aggression in the team. Some amazing moves that should have ended up in goals and they didn’t, unfortunately.
“The big frustration is that we lost, and especially 3-0. I don’t like conceding any goal. I don’t think it’s a great goal (Koumas). The difference is, like I said, the quality of finishing.
“I think it’s quality and composure. (Kelleher) made some really incredible saves, so I guess it’s all of that combined.”
Southampton in the Premier League
The club’s relegation last season hurt them badly and many would have feared if they would make an instant return or not.
But they are pushing for promotion, they will certainly make the play-offs, it’s just a case of if they can nab the final automatic spot.
Yes, Klopp played a number of young kids, but this was still a big test for Southampton against Premier League opposition and they faired very well.
What was even more impressive is that they still played in their way and didn’t budge, which is a credit to the calmness and bravery they showed on the ball.
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