Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren, a former Southampton player, wasn’t having the best time of it either… 1-5, min. 73, Ibe.
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In a display of clinical finishing, Liverpool thoroughly trounce Southampton, moving on to the semifinals of the Capital One Cup.
Allen grew into the game after a slow start, providing a priceless play-making link between midfield and attack allowing the Reds to gain a foot-hold in the contest; typified with his outstanding pass into Sturridge that released the returning striker for his first of the night.
The Saints fell behind though in the 29th minute after a four minute brace scored by fit again Daniel Sturridge before Divock Origi made it 3-1 just before the half-time whistle.
Connor Randall, in just his second Liverpool appearance, looked no match for Dusan Tadic out on the left wing.
Stoke ended Wednesday’s cup dream after their surprise victory over Arsenal earlier in the competition, providing hope for their own fans in the process of a first League Cup success since 1972.
Already Jurgen Klopp senses the silverware but beyond that there will be delight at how Sturridge inspired such a comeback on his comeback which lasted just under an hour and included a devastating five-minute, two-goal spell. Allen lofts a good ball over the top for the England striker, who still has lots to do, but steals a yard off Caulker and finds the bottom corner with a pinpoint shot.
The final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, February 28. Liverpool would continue their good spell of possession to end the first half as Randall earned Liverpool a corner after his shot was saved by Martin Stekelenburg.
He then set up striker Romelu Lukaku eight minutes later with a delightful cross from the right that the leaping Belgian powerhouse headed superbly into the net.
Sturridge’s start was the headline news in a Liverpool team featuring six changes while Southampton made five, though still fielded their strongest available side in the absence of injured skipper Jose Fonte. A chance dropped to Graziano Pelle, finally in behind Martin Skrtel, but he sacrificed power for accuracy and Bogdan easily held his shot.
Liverpool would then cap off a dream performance in the 73rd minute, when Moreno overlapped from the wing following a back heel from Origi and his cross was chested down and hit beautifully into the goal by Jordan Ibe.
Origi clattered in an emphatic second via the underside of the crossbar midway though the second half and his header followed up a fifth from Jordon Ibe to complete the rout.
86′ GOAL! Southampton 1-6 Liverpool: Origi has his hat-trick!
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Southampton had scored the fastest League Cup goal this season when they went one up after 39 seconds thanks to Sadio Mane.
