Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the League after surviving late scare to see off Southampton at St. Mary's. First half goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott were enough to book Arne Slot's side in the last four.

However, the Reds had Caoimhin Kelleher to thank for retaining their lead after the interval as they held on against the struggling Saints, who responded well after Cameron Archer halved the defect.

With Slot calling upon the services of a number of his lesser-used players and Liverpool youngsters, here's how the ECHO rated the Reds at St. Mary's...

READ MORE: Southampton vs Liverpool LIVE - final score, Elliott and Nunez goals, Carabao Cup draw

READ MORE: Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha handed huge Liverpool chance as major stars left out by Arne Slot

Caoimhin Kelleher 8

Had next to nothing to do in a simple first half, but passed it quickly to Alexander-Arnold in the build-up to Liverpool’s opener. Very different after the break. Could do nothing about Archer’s fierce strike but denied the same player with a stunning save to keep the Reds ahead.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Brilliant turn from the captain for the night to storm away from two players before playing in Nunez for the opener, albeit aided by a deflection. Only a fine McCarthy save denied him an assist for Mac Allister. Coped well in a more restrained defensive role before being subbed at half-time.

Jarell Quansah 7

Isolated at times on the few times Southampton hit Liverpool on the counter, but coped well up against Cameron Archer. A more confident showing in his favoured position, he saw plenty of the ball against the ineffectual hosts and passed it around well. Perhaps got away with one in the last minute as the hosts appealed for a foul and red card.

Wataru Endo 7

Certainly covered some distance, initially stationed at centre-back only to push into midfield when Liverpool were in possession. Eager to get involved further forward, played an important role in the Reds’ second goal as he linked up with Gakpo. At the back did really well to stop Archer getting in on goal as he eagerly flung himself into tackles, but found it a challenge to keep Onuachu quiet. Finished the night as captain.

Joe Gomez 7

Liverpool’s lack of defensive options saw him utilised as a left-back once again. Held back to cover for Endo and support Quansah for the majority but got forward when possible and passed it around well. Defended well against Dibling before being subbed at half-time.

Tyler Morton 6

Quietly impressive in a deeper midfield role as he passed the ball around well and pressed high to win it back when required. Switched to right-back after the break and did not find it easy-going. Beaten by Archer for the Southampton goal, but later made a vital interception to stop the same player going through one-on-one.

Trey Nyoni 6

Looks so calm and confident on the ball. A threat down the left as he linked up well with Gakpo, rarely misplaced a pass and carried it forward well. But he was much quieter after the break as Southampton fought back. Subbed.

Harvey Elliott 7

A quiet start from the midfielder on his first start of the season, but grew into the first half and was rewarded with a well-taken goal to double Liverpool’s lead. Grew in stature after the goal as he looked to get on the ball more. Linked up well with Chiesa after dropping into midfield, but unable to stop Liverpool losing control. Booked.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

Playing in a more advanced role than normal, he was unfortunate not to make it 3-0 when denied by a fine save from McCarthy. Not involved as much as he would have liked on his return from suspension. Subbed.

Cody Gakpo 8

A constant threat down the left-hand side, caused Bree a number of problems. A brilliant run inside before assisting Elliott for Liverpool’s second goal. Subbed shortly after the hour-mark as Slot kept his promise to limit his regular starters’ minutes.

Darwin Nunez 7

Skied an early chance and was a little isolated at times, but took his goal well after racing onto Alexander-Arnold’s deflected lofted pass, and wasted no time in taunting the Southampton fans who had mocked him moments earlier. Quiet after the break, shot wide late on.

SUBS

Federico Chiesa (on for Alexander-Arnold, 46) 7

Denied a first Liverpool goal after being played in by Jota as his effort was hacked clear off the line. Then had another strike cleared off the line in the last minute. A lively first showing since September.

Kostas Tsimikas (on for Gomez, 46) 6

Endured a much busier half than Gomez on his return from injury as Southampton constantly got in down the wings.

Diogo Jota (on for Gakpo, 63) 6

Threw himself straight into the thick of the action and was unfortunate not to claim an assist for Chiesa. Dropped into midfield late on as Liverpool looked to see the game out.

James McConnell (on for Mac Allister, 63) 6

Had a shot blocked. Was booked for a late lunge. A difficult night on his first senior outing of the season as Liverpool struggled to keep control after the changes.

Jayden Danns (on for Nyoni, 86) N/A

A first senior appearance of the season after injury. Alas, he was not able to replicate his brace off the bench against the Saints from back in February.