With a chance to earn a spot in the EFL Cup final and exorcise some recent demons, Liverpool instead crashed unceremoniously out of the tournament. The Reds fell once again to Southampton 0-1, this time at Anfield.
In a replay of what is becoming a manner of routine with the Reds, Liverpool dominated possession, at times putting the Saints under significant pressure, but failed to breakdown a thoroughly disciplined and well-instructed side.
More disconcerting than the loss, Liverpool not only look blunted in attack but now seem incapable of summoning the mental strength to overcome critical clashes.
This was another elimination game stumble, something altogether too familiar of late for the club. There is a mental barrier that this side cannot seem to breach.
Jurgen Klopp has talked about playing with anger but the angrier side in this match was Southampton. Liverpool spent most of the time shuffling the ball from one side of the pitch to the other and moving around the perimeter. Meanwhile, Saints repeatedly rushed to close the ball down from deep positions, even steaming through Liverpool players with aggression and authority.
Another referee had another poor performance that did not favour the Reds too. Martin Atkinson was off almost from the start and was altogether used by Southampton on every single restart that went their way. Missed at least one stone cold penalty shout and possibly more. Yet, Liverpool did little to force his whistle, in truth.
As desperation started set in for the Reds, Southampton carved them open once more on a counterattack that left Loris Karius completely exposed for Shane Long to hammer home and secure a trip to Wembley for the visitors.
He are four findings from the match:
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