‘We have to’ – Arne Slot makes huge EFL Cup admission that will get Liverpool fans buzzing | OneFootball

Liverpool took another huge step towards a famous quadruple after clinching a narrow 2-1 win against Southampton to book a spot in the EFL Cup semi-final for the third time in four seasons.

Both sides renewed acquaintances at Saint Mary’s Stadium nearly four weeks after their Premier League clash that saw Liverpool emerge on the winning side of a 3-2 scoreline.

While they didn’t repeat the five-goal thriller this time, Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie was just as exhilarating, especially with a place in the final four up for grabs.

Liverpool came out swinging and were two to the good just after the half-hour mark, courtesy of goals from the misfiring Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.

An early second-half strike from Camero Archer set the tone for a nerve-racking last half an hour, but the Reds held firm to strengthen their hopes of a clean sweep.

After the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that he wants to win the trophy, emulating former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, whose parting gift to the club faithful was the League Cup title.

Liverpool are joined in the last four by Arsenal and Newcastle United, while the winner of Thursday’s showdown between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will join the party.

However, Slot remains confident his side has what it takes to defend their crown.

“We have to defend the trophy because the club won it last season,” Slot said (via BBC Sport) after the game.

“I wasn’t involved in it, but the players were, and of course, Jurgen [Klopp] was with his staff. As a club we want to compete for all trophies.

“But we are also aware of Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United. It’s a tough competition for sure.”

The win at St. Mary’s extended Liverpool’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 20 games across all competitions.

They’ll resume their Premier League title charge with a tricky clash against an inconsistent Spurs side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekend.

Stats from Sofascore.com