Teenager Jayden Danns described it as “the best day of my life” after scoring twice as a substitute, helping Liverpool defeat Southampton and advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals where they will face Manchester United.
There was also a memorable debut for Danns’ fellow 18-year-old Lewis Koumas, who marked his first appearance by opening the scoring at Anfield. Koumas received Bobby Clark’s pass and placed a shot into the bottom corner, with the ball deflecting off Saints captain Jack Stephens just before halftime.
Danns, who came on for Koumas in the second half, capitalized on Harvey Elliott’s pass to score with a delightful dinked finish in front of the Kop. He then doubled his tally two minutes before the end, slotting the ball home after Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley parried Conor Bradley’s shot into his path.
“I couldn’t be happier today. Today is the best day of my life,” Danns told BBC Sport.
“I’ve watched Liverpool since I was a young boy and to score at the Kop End is more than a dream. I couldn’t be happier.”
Due to injuries sidelining several key players, Jurgen Klopp opted for a starting lineup that included six players aged 21 or younger. Much like in the recent Carabao Cup final, these young talents rose to the occasion admirably.
Southampton created numerous chances in the opening half, but their failure to capitalize ultimately cost them as Koumas struck late before halftime.
Despite additional opportunities to equalize in the second half, Southampton squandered their chances in front of goal.
Once again, their inefficiency proved costly as Danns, in only his third appearance for Liverpool after debuting against Luton the previous week, capitalized to extend the lead.
“In the Carabao Cup final I had a couple of opportunities to score, so I came into today thinking ‘bury the next one’,” Danns added.
“I couldn’t describe it [what it feels like to celebrate in front of the Kop]. It is a dream come true. The first thing I thought was to slide on my knees. It was an unbelievable experience.”
While Liverpool remain in contention for a quadruple, and can look forward to a mouth-watering meeting at Old Trafford in the last eight, Russell Martin’s Saints can now give their full attention to trying to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Klopp’s kids keep quadruple hopes alive
Following their Wembley triumph over the weekend, the first half of this match seemed like a daunting challenge for a Liverpool squad plagued by injuries, particularly as their youthful contingent struggled to assert themselves.
Southampton, despite making eight changes from their recent defeat to Millwall, remained committed to their trademark style, frequently breaching the hosts’ defense with their fluid passing game.
However, their lack of precision in front of goal proved costly as Sekou Mara found himself thwarted twice by Caoimhin Kelleher when in promising positions, while Kamaldeen Sulemana’s effort struck the post.
Liverpool found themselves under pressure, but a moment of brilliance, coupled with a stroke of luck, handed them the advantage just before halftime.
Clark’s precise through ball found Koumas, whose shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and found the net. Koumas, son of former Wales international Jason, capitalized on the opportunity, boosting the hosts’ morale.
With renewed confidence, Liverpool asserted themselves more effectively in the second half, though Southampton still posed a threat. Shea Charles squandered a golden opportunity by miscuing his shot wide from close range, left unmarked at the back post during a corner.
The spotlight then turned to Danns, who displayed remarkable composure to chip the ball over Lumley for his first goal after Will Smallbone lost possession in his own half.
Danns’ second goal, at the age of 18 years and 43 days, marked him as the youngest Liverpool player to score multiple goals in a match since Michael Owen’s hat-trick against Grimsby in November 1997.
“It feels like I’m in a movie,” Danns told ITV. “The second one was just pure joy, it didn’t feel like it could come to me, I was happy with one. I lost all composure.
“My dad cried when I made my debut so I don’t know what he’s going to be doing now.”
Klopp will hope to have a few of his more experienced players back from injury before they travel to face United in a couple of weeks but, if not, his youngsters have risen to every challenge they have faced so far and would surely relish the opportunity to show their class once again.