“We haven’t won a trophy since Sunday afternoon,” Klopp and Kids Shine in FA Cup Victory
The Reds secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup’s fifth round, setting up a quarter-final clash with Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp, facing a substantial absentee list that sidelined 14 first-team players, turned to the club’s youth ranks to fill the void. The decision paid dividends as Liverpool’s academy stars shone brightly under the Anfield lights.
Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns, both 18 years old, found the net, with Danns bagging a brace to secure the victory. The historic nature of the win was emphasized by the playful Kop, singing, “We haven’t won a trophy since Sunday afternoon.” It reflects the belief that Klopp and his young talents are far from finished collecting cups.
Liverpool’s lineup, featuring seven players 21 years old or under, faced a formidable challenge against Southampton. Despite the visitors creating numerous opportunities, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher displayed a goalkeeping clinic to keep the Saints at bay.
Koumas’ deflected strike just before the interval broke the deadlock, providing Liverpool with a crucial lead. The introduction of Ibrahima Konate in the second half solidified Liverpool’s defence, allowing greater control over the proceedings. Danns’ brace extinguished any hopes of a Southampton comeback.
Southampton, commendably backed by 5,500 supporters, made the early running with Kamaldeen Sulemana hitting the post and Sekou Mara having an effort denied. However, their prolificacy proved costly as Liverpool capitalized on their chances.
Koumas, son of former midfielder Jason, ran onto a pass by Bobby Clark before cutting inside to score with a shot that deflected off Jan Bednarek. Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott stung the palms of Joe Lumley before half-time.
The second half saw Southampton squandering their own openings, with Sulemana firing at Kelleher and Joe Ariba glancing a header over the crossbar. Klopp’s substitutions proved crucial as Danns, introduced in the 73rd minute, calmly lifted his shot over Lumley to give Liverpool breathing room. Two minutes before time, Danns capitalized on Lumley’s parry from Conor Bradley’s shot, finishing first-time into an empty net, sealing Liverpool’s fifth win in succession.