Endo “can you trust” and are 2 more games a good thing? – Southampton 1-2 Liverpool – Liverpool FC

Liverpool continue to defend their League Cup title after knocking Southampton out of the competition on Wednesday. But are the extra two games a good thing for the Reds?

Goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott were enough to send Liverpool safely into the quarter-finals. Their fate in the semi-finals will be decided in the draw on Thursday evening.

Arne Slot was able to rest key players and give valuable minutes to fringe players, while maintaining his impressive record with 20 wins from 24 games in all competitions.

Liverpool’s progress ensures the game continues wall-to-wall, with a home-and-away semi-final against Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United/Tottenham expected in the new year.

Here, Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) and Elli (@LFCZA) discuss the Southampton win and the implications of the semi-final.

The good…

ELLI: I really liked the way our youngsters integrated so easily into the style of play and tactics that Slot has taught since joining.

Despite his age, Nyoni didn’t seem out of place among the older players in the squad.

None of them seemed to have felt intimidated playing against a team that had nothing to lose (even in the poor conditions).

JOANNA: I was really pleased to see Slot make as many changes as he did – it really felt like we won, great, and if we didn’t it would be OK.

It certainly wasn’t the most entertaining match, but it at least made for somewhat relaxed viewing until the commentators did their best to make it dramatic at the end.

Chiesa is back, Jota got more minutes, Nyoni made his full debut, Nunez scored a goal and we’re in the semi-finals – wonderful.

Endo was my man of the match. I thought he was outstanding considering he had no rhythm and was tasked with moving freely up and down the pitch. He can be trusted and I would like to see more from him so Ryan Gravenberch doesn’t burn out.

The bad…

JOANNA: There isn’t too much to complain about with this piece as the disjointed nature of the performance was to be expected with the young faces and so many changes.

Simon Hooper continued to be frustrated with some of his decisions, but what’s new?

ELLI: I think the defense struggled (again considering the poor conditions).

Quansah still makes some bad decisions and I think that’s because he doesn’t get enough playing time because Slot doesn’t rotate.

JOANNA: That’s a good point, Elli. Quansah seems to have little self-confidence, and every misstep only makes it worse. We’re going to need him a lot this season, so let’s hope he turns things around soon!

And what do you think about two more games being added to the calendar – and who would you like to play against in the semi-final?

JOANNA: I have seen many conflicting views on Liverpool’s progress in the competition and they all have merit.

The extra midweek games could be significant (as we saw last season), but you just have to hope that in the event of a draw, Slot has a wealth of options so he can rotate if he wants.

We are the defending champions and another day at Wembley is what it’s all about. So why not the League Cup?

We’re all but guaranteed a place in the top eight in the Champions League, so we’re flexible and Slot will know that an early trophy would definitely go down well. I’m all for it.

As far as who I want in the draw, I’m leaning towards Newcastle as it stands.

ELLI: I’m glad we made it to the semifinals again, especially in Slot’s first season.

I think it gives our young players another opportunity to shine – although I think there will be some older players taking the reins in the semi-final.

The club exists to win trophies and that is par for the course for a club like Liverpool. However, I hope we can strengthen the squad with a few good signings in January.

As Spurs still have to play United, we won’t know who the fourth club will be until later, but regardless, I’d like to avoid Arsenal or United and, like you Jo, face Newcastle.