Liverpool face a tough task to book their place at Wembley after suffering a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals.
The Reds produced a frustrating display as the Saints took an important lead in the first leg at St. Mary’s with a goal from Nathan Redmond.
Philippe Coutinho returned to the squad for the first time in over six weeks after picking up an ankle injury, and he was forced to come on as a substitute after 60 minutes as Liverpool searched for inspiration.
Daniel Sturridge retained his place up front but couldn’t provide an impact and Liverpool were struggling to mount any serious threat on goal.
Southampton had several chances to extend their lead but Loris Karius made some good saves and Dejan Lovren produced a last-ditch clearance to deny Redmond a second goal.
The loss of Joel Matip, Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson was evident as the Reds had to settle for a 1-0 defeat following a poor performance.
Here’s the best of the reaction throughout the game on social media.
Coutinho’s return was great news for everyone…
Phil Coutinho ?
Great to have you back ? #LFC pic.twitter.com/uza29DAC04
— EAFC Hub (@EAFCHub) January 11, 2017
Great to have Coutinho back tonight, will be vital for us especially with Mane away for the next few weeks #LFC
— Shane Delaney (@Kingshane92) January 11, 2017
Delighted with that team. Klopp means business. Coutinho on the bench too. Let's go get a positive result tonight. Up the Reds! #LFC
— Jay Graham (@jaygrahamuk) January 11, 2017
But Southampton took the lead after 20 minutes to dampen the mood…
All the talk of signing attackers, yet another highlighted reason why it's a centre back we crave most. All bar Matip prone to awful errors!
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) January 11, 2017
Ragnar Klavan finding the perfect way to commemorate the anniversary of Martin Škrtel signing for Liverpool
— Tom Victor (@tomvictor) January 11, 2017
Karius kept the Reds in the game with some stunning saves…
Nice punch from Karius, his performance decent so far, one of few positives.
— Olli Emmerson (@Oliver_Emmerson) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/819280089133236225
Superb save from Karius after some limp defending. Lucas looks ready for the glue factory
— Andy Wales ?? (@AndyArmchair) January 11, 2017
And fans were given hope when Coutinho came on…
Only time I've smiled all night… #SOULIV pic.twitter.com/MBjyGCzQvd
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 11, 2017
Operation "give Coutinho the ball at every opportunity" is a go.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 11, 2017
Our decision making all over the show tonight. At least we have someone showing for the ball. #magician
— kop in full voice (@LFC_Bantz) January 11, 2017
But the Little Magician couldn’t conjure a goal, and Liverpool had to settle for a disappointing 1-0 defeat…
https://twitter.com/IamDembe/status/819294974500028417
Probably the worst match of the season.
— Neil (@Neil_LFC) January 11, 2017
Absolutely shocking this match. With our fixtures lately it's hardly surprising but this is when Klopp will need to be earning his money.
— Liverpool Belief ????? ?????? (@LFC_Belief) January 11, 2017
For me, worst performance of the season this. Woeful in so many departments. We look nackered.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 11, 2017
#lfc always look knackered in jan, Klopp needs to try & manage the team better in my opinion. Sturridge in a front 3 doesn't work
— Aaron Cawley (@AaronCawley81) January 11, 2017
One can only assume this awful display was done to fool Mourinho into actually attacking on Sunday
— Ricky (@RickyMann4) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/Eathen_1892/status/819296709872336896
Klopp won't panic, he won't be happy with the performance, he will be happy that it's only 1-0, deserved to lose by a few more
— David Hickman (@DavidHickman87) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/AlbMorenoIsBoss/status/819297148185493515
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/819297418600730624
Last season Klopp couldn't understand why the semi final was two legs, he'll be f*****g ecstatic that's the case tonight!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 11, 2017
Well if you can't be good be lucky and Reds are lucky they're only 1 down. Just not at it tonight need to improve massively before Sunday
— Jeff Goulding (@ShanklysBoys1) January 11, 2017
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
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