Liverpool reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals as Arne Slot serves a suspension

Defending champions Liverpool secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Southampton at a wet and windy St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday thanks to goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott.

Their manager Arne Slot was not left out as he served a ban for card accumulation this season.

Nunez, who had been egged on by Saints fans for a wild miss earlier in the game, got on the scoresheet in the 24th minute when he pounced after a miss by center back Jan Bednarek and a slip by goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. After passing McCarthy, Nunez put his finger to his lips as a gesture to the crowd.

Eight minutes later, Elliott doubled the Reds’ lead when he fired a low, hard shot from a pass from Cody Gakpo. Cameron Archer equalized for the home team in the 59th minute with a shot from the penalty area.

“We came into this game knowing the circumstances Southampton were going through and knowing they were going to fight and we were prepared for that,” Elliott told Sky Sports.

The game was a tale of teams at opposite ends of the Premier League table, with Liverpool at the top and Southampton – who sacked coach Russell Martin after Sunday’s 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur – last with just one win Place.

“We have to defend the cup because the club won it last season. That’s why we want to compete in every league and this is one of them. That’s why we’re happy that we reached the semi-finals,” said Slot, who watched the game from the press box.

Arsenal and Newcastle United also reached the semi-finals. The final spot is up for grabs on Thursday when Tottenham host Manchester United.