Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton at Anfield on Thursday. The Reds scored three goals from their teenage stars, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns, who impressed on their first-team debuts. Liverpool will now face their arch-rivals Manchester United in the next round, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Koumas breaks the deadlock with a deflected strike
The first half was a tight affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. Southampton had the better opportunities, with Nathan Redmond and Che Adams testing Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal. However, the hosts took the lead in the 44th minute, when 18-year-old Koumas scored on his first start for the club. The midfielder received a pass from Bobby Clark and fired a low shot that took a deflection off Jack Stephens and wrong-footed Joe Lumley. It was a dream debut for the youngster, who celebrated with his teammates and the Kop.
Danns doubles the lead with a sublime finish
Southampton came out stronger in the second half, looking for an equaliser. They had a couple of chances, with Redmond hitting the post and Adams forcing a save from Kelleher. However, Liverpool sealed the game in the 73rd minute, when another 18-year-old, Danns, scored with his first touch of the ball. The forward, who came on for Koumas, ran on to a through ball from Harvey Elliott and chipped it over the advancing Lumley with a delightful finish. It was a stunning goal from the academy product, who showed great composure and skill.
Danns completes his brace with a powerful strike
Liverpool were in complete control of the game, and added a third goal in the 88th minute, thanks to Danns again. The youngster latched on to a rebound after Lumley had parried Conor Bradley’s shot and smashed it into the net with a powerful strike. It was a deserved reward for the striker, who had a superb cameo appearance. He became the youngest Liverpool player to score a brace in the FA Cup, and the first to do so on his debut since Michael Owen in 1997.
Liverpool set up a blockbuster quarter-final with Man Utd
Liverpool’s victory means they have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2018. They will face Manchester United, who beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Wednesday, in a mouth-watering tie at Old Trafford. The two teams have met 12 times in the FA Cup, with United winning nine and Liverpool three. The last time they faced each other in the competition was in 2012, when Liverpool won 2-1 at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to repeat that result and keep his hopes of a quadruple alive.