Liverpool have come from behind to book their place in the semi-finals of the League Cup, thrashing Southampton 6-1 at St Mary's this evening.
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It took the home side less than a minute to break the deadlock as Ryan Bertrand raced forward from midfield, putting a cross in at the far post for Sadio Mane, who clinically nodded the ball past Alex Bogdan.
Southampton had a chance to double their advantage soon after, with Victor Wanyama getting into a similar position to Mane, but the keeper was able to claim the ball into the box.
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Daniel Sturridge, who was making his first start since Jurgen Klopp's appointment, got the visitors back on level terms midway through the first half, controlling a Joe Allen through-ball before rifling the ball into the back of the net.
The striker had a second just a couple of minutes later, receiving a high pass forward from Emre Can to thump the ball first time, beating a diving Maarten Stekelenburg.
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It got worse for the hosts before the end of the opening 45 minutes, as Alberto Moreno found himself in space on the edge of the box as a corner was cleared, leaving him to hammer the ball into the bottom corner.
Ronald Koeman's side tried to cut the deficit at the start of the second half, with Dusan Tadic attempting to set up Graziano Pelle, who rounded Martin Skrtel before leaving Bogdan with an easy save.
Liverpool started to dominate possession again as the hour mark approached though, and extended their lead further with just over 20 minutes remaining as Jordon Ibe set up Divock Origi for his first goal for the club, leaving the Belgian to blast the ball in from the middle of the box.
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It did not take long for Jurgen Klopp's side to add a fifth, with Ibe taking on the shot himself this time, getting the ball from Moreno on the edge of the box before controlling it on his chest and driving it home.
Club captain Jordan Henderson made his comeback in the final 15 minutes, coming off the bench to mark his return from injury, which has kept him on the sidelines for much of the season so far.
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Southampton started to see more of the ball as the match headed into the final 10 minutes, but they were unable to get a goal back before Liverpool made it six, with substitute Brad Smith sending in a pinpoint accurate cross from the left for Origi to head in from close range.
Origi could yet be awarded a hat-trick, having got the final touch to Moreno's strike just before half time, although the shot appeared to be heading in anyway, resulting in it initially being awarded to the defender.
Liverpool will learn who they will face in the last four when the draw takes place shortly.
Sian Cowper
