ReactionHarvey Elliott: We knew we’d have to fight at Southampton – we did it as a team
Published
By Chris Shaw
Harvey Elliott was delighted by the fight a much-changed Liverpool side showed as they beat Southampton 2-1 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The No.19 made his first start of the season following his return from injury and marked the occasion with the Reds’ second goal at St Mary’s on Wednesday night.
Darwin Nunez had earlier put the visitors in front, and Arne Slot’s side ensured they will be in Thursday night’s last-four draw despite second-half pressure from Saints that included a goal from Cameron Archer.
On how he would assess a ‘tough’ contest overall, Elliott told Sky Sports post-match: “Just like that, really. They caused us a fair few problems.
“We came into this game, especially with the circumstances that Southampton are going through, we knew they were going to come out fighting and we had to be ready for that.
“I feel like for a team that we put out there today – some of us haven’t played much this season, we had really young lads as well – we fought as a team and thankfully we can come away with the win.”
There were further opportunities at both ends during the second half, including one excellent Caoimhin Kelleher save from Archer just moments after the game had gone to 2-1.
“I wouldn’t say surprised, to be honest, because if you look at the Premier League game they caused us problems as well,” Elliott added of the hosts’ response.
“Southampton are a side full of confidence and they’re not scared to play out from the back and take risks. It’s credit to them, as I said they caused us problems today and they have done before.
“But it was just about how we could deal with those problems as a team and the pressure that they were putting on, making sure we stand strong and defend as well as we can.
“Despite conceding one goal, I felt like we did that very well.”
Published
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.
