Liverpool qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 3-0 win over Southampton, although the visitors could have made things different at Anfield.
Southampton boss Russell Martin claimed his side’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool was not a fair reflection of the fixture as he was made to rue missed chances at Anfield.
Jayden Danns’ double and Lewis Koumas’ first-half goal set up a meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the next round.
Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the post, while Caoimhín Kelleher was called upon on a few occasions to make some important saves as he picked up where he left off at Wembley on Sunday.
The Championship side, who were relegated from the Premier League less than a year ago, were impressive, and showed why they are in the running for an immediate return to the English top flight. Ultimately though, the young Reds found their feet, and left Martin to rue the opportunities his side squandered.
“I don’t think it was a fair reflection, we had the better chances and we could have been 2-0 up before they even got close to our goal,” Martin said live on ITV Sport. “It was more than promise, we showed some real bravery and they should have ended up in goals.
“The big frustration is that we lost and especially 3-0. The difference is the quality and finishing. It is composure and their keeper made some amazing chances.
“I’ve said the players should be really proud of themselves but we’ve got to score in those moments. I’m incredibly proud, I am frustrated that we lost and I thought it was an amazing chance to progress, but we haven’t done it.
“I’ll take that performance and if we are to lose, I want to lose playing our way. If we play like that for the rest of the season we’ll be more than fine.”
