Defending champion Liverpool defeated coachless Southampton 2-1 to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the third time in four years.

Goals from Darwin Nunes and Harvey Elliott helped Arne Slott’s Reds advance to the last four, where they will face Arsenal, Newcastle or Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on Thursday night One of the winners between teams, match live sky sports.

The semi-final draw will take place after the game in north London at 10.30pm.

saint- He sacked Russell Martin shortly after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur – Led by interim head coach Simon Rusk, who adopted a special defensive approach at St. Mary’s; a 5-4-1 formation that lost possession kept the Reds in trouble for more than 20 minutes.

Liverpool then found a chance to score with their first shot. Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the ball from midfield past the outstretched leg of Jan Bednarek, allowing Darwin Nunez to pass One-on-one way past Alex McCarthy.

Eight minutes later, Liverpool easily broke through the host’s defense and the score was 2-0. Cody Gakpo inserted Elliott and easily finished the shot.

Saints suddenly gave themselves a lifeline when Cameron Archer rounded Caoimhin Kelleher just before the break – seconds later Kelleher Saints almost equalized when He’s reflex save prevented Archer’s flick before Jarell Quansah denied Mateus Fernandes’ follow-up.

This awakened the pent-up home fans, as did the introduction of Paul Onuachu, who proved to be an outstanding presence up front. Rusk also called on Adam Lallana, Ben Brereton Diaz and Kamaldine Suleimana and will no doubt be hoping that an all-out attack in the closing stages will result in forcing a penalty The big goal.

He almost got his wish when Cusa scuffled with Fernandez outside the box and the Portuguese went to the ground inside the area, but referee Simon Hooper summarily dismissed the penalty appeal and in the absence of VAR the decision stood.

What happens next for Southampton and Liverpool?