Liverpool Fans Make Final Decision Over One Star After Southampton Clash

Liverpool fans have reached their final decision over one player after their Carabao Cup third round victory over Southampton.

Alexander Isak scored the opening goal of the game for the Reds as they appeared set to secure safe progression to the fourth round.

But former Manchester City academy graduate Shea Charles scored an equaliser for Southampton in the second half.

Hugo Ekitike then tapped in from close range to make it 2-1 - before taking his shirt off and being sent off for a second yellow card.

Arne Slot's side entered at the third round stage due to their progression into Europe, and the Dutchman rested a number of top stars.

Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk were among those absent at Anfield, with opportunities being presented to other players.

Among them was Federico Chiesa, who had made just 18 appearances - largely as a substitute - for the Reds since signing from Juventus last summer.

The Italian was left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad by Slot and also played no part in the 2-1 Merseyside derby win against Everton on Saturday.

But Chiesa is clearly not completely out of the Liverpool reckoning, and was given a chance to impress by the Dutchman against Southampton.

And Reds fans' consensus is that he put in an impressive display over the course of 90 minutes at Anfield.

His pressure allowed him to intercept goalkeeper Alex McCarthy's poor pass, before he provided the assist for Isak to score his first Liverpool goal.

He also provided a simple pass for Ekitike to make it 2-1.

The winger also caused the Saints problems with his direct running and work rate off the ball.

One fan wrote of Chiesa's first half display: "Federico Chiesa has been one of the standout performers this half, night and day compared to where he was against Plymouth [in the FA Cup fourth round] last year."

Another agreed: "Federico Chiesa played a phenomenal half of football there. You can see he desperately wants to prove himself to Slot and make the Italy squad for the World Cup."

A third said: "Chiesa best half of football for LFC. His workrate is ridiculous."

While a fourth added: "Chiesa is making a very strong case for more rotation opportunities with Salah. His workrate, pressing, and creativity has been excellent."

And a fifth wrote: "Not sure how Chiesa doesn't get more minutes. Got so much quality."