Unrecognizable lineup delivers familiar outcome – 5 key takeaways from Southampton 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool advances to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, opening up more opportunities for silverware but also increasing the number of games.

Many changes, same Liverpool

Arne Slot made eight alterations to his Liverpool lineup following the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Fulham. Young players like Jarell Quansah, Trey Nyoni, Tyler Morton, and Harvey Elliott were given starting roles, while Caoimhin Kelleher returned to the lineup for Carabao Cup duties, even with Alisson available again.

Despite the changes, Liverpool’s performance remained consistent with the strong displays seen under Slot this season. At times, they seemed vulnerable, but the statistics tell a different story, with Southampton’s expected goals (xG) at 0.32 and Liverpool’s at 1.66, according to FotMob.

By the end of the match, James McConnell and Jayden Danns had also seen action, as Slot utilized the players at his disposal, even when the game was still in a precarious position. There was a moment of concern when Quansah appeared to have committed a foul near the end, possibly conceding a penalty or free-kick, but no decision was made, and the reshuffled lineup held on for another victory.

Endo’s role

Wataru Endo was listed as a centre-back in the lineup, and although he occasionally positioned himself on the left of a defensive pairing with Quansah, he played multiple roles during the game. He was often seen in midfield and even appeared on the edge of the box at times.

Endo was instrumental in starting the move that led to Elliott’s second goal. After making a pass to Cody Gakpo, he surged forward into midfield to support the attack. Although Endo has not been a regular feature in Slot’s plans, this performance showed that he can handle significant responsibility and demonstrate tactical discipline, potentially earning him more playing time in the future.

New signing spotted on the south coast

This season, Liverpool has impressed through the quality of its existing players, their adaptation to Slot’s methods, and the coaching on display. Despite limited new additions, they have been one of the best teams in Europe.

Federico Chiesa, the only summer signing, played in just his second match where he featured for more than a half. A skillful nutmeg near the touchline even earned applause from Southampton fans. However, he missed a chance close to goal in the second half, seeming unsure whether to shoot or pass to a teammate. Later in the game, he showcased flashes of his potential, but Southampton’s defenders prevented him from scoring with crucial blocks.

Despite mixed performances, it was refreshing to see a new player on the pitch, and Chiesa could be valuable in the second half of the season, even though it’s still unclear what exactly he brings to the team.

Good progress: more games

Liverpool holds a strong lead in the Premier League, but the club’s focus should remain on the league as things can change quickly. Despite making numerous changes to the squad, Slot’s team still reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, adding at least two more fixtures to their schedule.

The semi-finals remain two-legged, which unnecessarily adds more matches. Additionally, the FA Cup will begin in January, and the Champions League is also returning, with Liverpool granted a bye to the last 16 thanks to their strong group-stage performance.

A successful team means more games, and now the key is for Slot to ensure that the team’s early success does not become a burden.

Jota a risk?

Even with the heavy rotation, Slot still gave playing time to key players, including Diogo Jota, who has struggled with injuries at Liverpool. Jota played around 30 minutes at the end of the match, a decision that could be vital for his fitness in the Premier League.

Normally, there may be a temptation to rest injury-prone players, but the current Liverpool coaching staff seems to prioritize keeping everyone engaged and match-fit. While many first-team players rested for this game, Jota’s situation was different. The staff likely felt that getting him into rhythm and maintaining his fitness was more important than giving him rest, especially when it comes to keeping him injury-free.