Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals after defeating Southampton 3-0, despite the visitors could have changed the outcome at Anfield.
Southampton manager Russell Martin thought his side’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool was not a fair reflection of the game, as he lamented wasted opportunities at Anfield.
With the victory, Liverpool advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Jayden Danns’ double and Lewis Koumas’ first-half goal secured a meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the next round.
However, the guests may have made a significant difference. Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the post as CaoimhÃn Kelleher made crucial stops, continuing from his performance at Wembley on Sunday.
The Championship team, which was relegated from the Premier League less than a year ago, were brilliant and demonstrated why they are in contention for an immediate return to the English top tier. Ultimately, the young Reds got their footing, leaving Martin to mourn the possibilities his team missed.
“I don’t think it was a fair reflection, we had the better chances and we could have been 2-0 up before they even got close to our goal,” Martin stated in an interview with ITV Sport. “It was more than a promise; we shown actual bravery, and they should have scored goals.
“The main frustration is that we lost, particularly 3-0. The distinction lies in the quality and finish. It is composure, and their goalkeeper created some incredible opportunities.
“I’ve told the guys they should be very proud of themselves, but we need to score at those times. I’m quite proud, angry that we lost, and I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to advance, but we didn’t take it.
“I’ll take that performance, and if we have to lose, I want to do so in our own way. “If we play like that for the rest of the season, we’ll be fine.”
Liverpool.com says: The scoreline makes the game appear far more comfortable than it was for Liverpool. The truth is that the Reds were really fortunate not to fall behind in the first 15 minutes.
After that, they really found their feet, and Liverpool certainly deserved it. Martin is in charge of a very talented team, and Southampton has looked better in the Premier League this season than Burnley and Sheffield United. It would not be surprising if they return to Anfield next season.
