Southampton vs Liverpool: EFL Cup player ratings as Reds made to SWEAT for win

Liverpool took on Southampton at St. Mary's in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, seeking to go one step further in their quest for glory.

Here are our player ratings from the encounter where Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott fired the Reds into a 2-0 half-time lead before stirring Southampton fight-back.

Caoimhin Kelleher: 8 -

Had barely anything to do in terms of making saves before the break, one easy Tyler Dibling effort aside. But he was more than alert to react to a second-half Cameron Archer effort, using his lightning-quick reflexes to propel the ball away.

READ MORE: Mo Salah bids heartbreaking farewell as Reds strike MOMENTOUS agreement

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8 -

Wearing the captain's armband, he provided an exquisite assist for Darwin Nunez's opening goal. While the deflection helped Liverpool, the world-class turn in the buildup was immense.

Often played through the middle with Liverpool in possession. Could have had another assist for Alexis Mac Allister. Replaced on half-time.

Jarell Quansah: 6 -

Relatively untested from a defensive standpoint before half-time and managed to get his passes off hassle-free. Got in one stupendous block after the break as the Saints pushed for an equaliser.

But could have done better on the goal and perhaps lucky to have avoided a red card for a foul on Fernandez in injury time.

Wataru Endo: 8 -

Lined up in a hybrid defender-midfield role, not unlike the one we saw Ryan Gravenberch play against Fulham. A masterclass of ball-winning on the rare occasions Southampton had it. Hit in the face in the lead-up to the opening Southampton goal.

Joe Gomez: 6 -

Faced no significant danger down his side and helped the Reds keep their shape. Replaced.

Tyler Morton: 7 -

Kept things ticking over in midfield on a rare start. Went to right-back after half-time but was caused trouble in the run-up to the Archer goal. Lovely on the ball as usual.

Trey Nyoni: 6 -

First start for the senior team. Had a licence to roam through the final third, supplying his front three. Made one poor error in the second half, leading to Paul Onuachu's chance. Replaced.

Alexis Mac Allister: 7 -

He was unlucky not to have scored from a delightful Trent cross with his snap shot. Not involved on the ball to the fullest extent. Replaced.

Harvey Elliott: 9 -

Showed plenty in possession and these will be vital minutes as he seeks to build back his fitness following injury. Had one blocked effort at the edge of the area before an incisive finish for his goal. Booked for a bizarre tangle with Flynn Downes.

Cody Gakpo: 9 -

Putting distance between himself and Luis Diaz. Always busy down the left side, he was the instigator of the Elliott goal. Coming in off the left wing, he was able to supply the young Englishman. Taken off.

Darwin Nunez: 7 -

Led the line well and took his badly-needed goal well. Cupped his ears afterwards as a retort towards the Southampton fans calling him a "sh*t Andy Carroll". Some wayward finishing and passing.

Subs:

Kostas Tsimikas: 7 -

Replaced Gomez at half-time to give Liverpool a more natural defensive shape. A timely return in the middle of a busy period.

Federico Chiesa: 6 -

Came on for another EFL Cup appearance and his presence meant Morton shifted to a right-back role. Missed an unbelievably good chance and struggled to get up with the pace of the game. Should have scored as the game ticked into injury time.

James McConnell: 6 -

Replaced Alexis Mac Allister in midfield just after the hour mark. Was put under significant midfield pressure thereafter.

Diogo Jota: 7 -

A welcome boost to the line-up considering Arne Slot said he wasn't fit enough to start. Made a chance for Chiesa and was involved in Liverpool counters.

Jayden Danns: 6 -

Another one on the comeback trail following injury. He came on to help see things out.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold jets out as permission granted for shock departure