EFL Cup: Southampton Stun Liverpool, Grab Ticket To Wembley
Southampton have reached the final of the English Football League Cup as they stun Liverpool with a stoppage-time goal in the semi-final second leg at Anfield on Wednesday.
Nathan Redmond’s first-leg strike had put the Saints at advantage, and looked like it would be enough to give his side the Final ticket until Shane Long struck in at 90 minutes to make it 0-2 aggregate.
Jurgen Klopp’s side now have just one win in seven matches. And the Reds have failed to score against Southampton in all their three meetings this season in all competitions.
Liverpool had gone close in the second period, notably when goal keeper Fraser Forster hooked an Emre Can effort off the line, and twice when Daniel Sturridge volleyed over but couldn’t help his side reach Wembley.
Southampton manager Claude Puel have led the team to the final without conceding a single goal, and sees the win as a good reward for their hard work.
“It is fantastic for all the squad and a good reward for their hard work. It was difficult to find this opportunity to play a final at Wembley. In the two legs, we deserved the win. We were fantastic in the first leg at home and tonight we had chances in the first half.
“In the second half, it was difficult but now we go to Wembley, not just to participate but to win this cup. I have been there once, just to watch France beat England,” he stated.
Captain Steven Davis was pleased to have made it to the final with his team, as he hopes they harness the opportunity the win provides to create a history for the club.
“It’s huge, we have progressed every year since I’ve been here but I’ve been waiting for a chance to get to a final. In the first leg, we should have been further ahead. We have the opportunity to go and create some history,” the 32-year-old said after the match.
Ultimately, Southampton will face either Manchester United or Hull City, with the Red Devils holding a 2-0 aggregate lead going into Thursday’s second leg at the KCOM Stadium.
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