Southampton 1-6 Liverpool: Origi hat-trick – reds march to semi-finals

Liverpool were behind after just 45 second before unleashing a first half storm away at Southampton-  powering into the League Cup semi finals. 

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are developing rapidly.  For the third time in 5 matches Liverpool found themselves behind and for the second time in a week they had reversed the game before the half time whistle.

Liverpool made changes for this game.  Randall replacing Clyne at right back - Bogdan again being picked for the League Cup.

Up front Sturridge started only his 16th game for Liverpool in 20 months, partnered up front with Divock Origi.

In the middle Lucas Leiva returned after suspension and Joe Allen was drafted in - James Milner dropping to the bench.

Liverpool started slowly, Emre Can didn't deal with the winger and a cross was headed in by Mane - Moreno caught the wrong side of the Southampton striker.

Saints pushes on - they should have had more - an almost identical cross coming in moments later but Mane couldn't connect.

Lovren's every touch was booed, Lallana's too.  By the middle of the half the reds had shown little impetus - and youngster Connor Randall had already picked up his yellow card as he struggled to adapt.

But then the game turned.  Who else but Daniel Sturridge.

He twisted and turned inside the box before unleashing a goal into the Southampton goal.

Game on.

Three minutes later Emre Can had unleashed an exquisite pass to the English striker who fired in with a skip and a jump.  2-1.

Liverpool were not finished.

On the stroke of half time Lallana's corner fed it's way to Moreno outside the box.  He smashed the ball into the goal - it glanced off Divock Origi's bootlaces on the way in.

Second half - a tactical change from Southampton switching to three at the back.  It didn't help.

Sturridge was subbed off on the hour for Ibe, and minutes later Origi scored a goal more suited to Benteke.  Firing in with power from just inside the box.

Klopp was preparing to bring on his captain - but as Henderson was about to come on Jordon Ibe collected the cross from Moreno, chested down, and smashed in for Liverpool's fifth.

Five minutes before the end - Origi again.  A cross supplied by substitute Brad Smith and Divock Origi smashing it in with his head.

HAT-TRICK!

What a comeback.  What a rout.

Liverpool ease comfortably into the two-legged League Cup semi-final.  What a wonderful performance.