SAINTS still fell to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool despite showing some encouraging signs after a drab first-half performance.

Arne Slot’s much-changed side looked to be easing into the last four as goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott inside the first 32 minutes put them in control at St Mary’s.

Yet Saints, under the interim charge of Simon Rusk following the departure of Russell Martin, fought back in the second half.

Cameron Archer replied with a fine strike just before the hour and Mateus Fernandes felt he should have been punished for a foul in the closing minutes but the Reds survived a nervy finish.

Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance in a game of two halves at St Mary's...

Saints player huddle before their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.Saints player huddle before their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA) Alex McCarthy - 5.

Played an early long ball into touch. Slipped when rushing out to meet Nunez, giving the Uruguayan an easy finish. Did play a brilliant long ball for Fernandes, which should have led to a free-kick and a red card.

James Bree - 6.

Burst forward to meet a cross from Fernandes but slipped after making contact with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez. He was withdrawn in the second half after pulling up with injury. Saints are unsure of the severity of that knock at this stage.

Jan Bednarek - 5.

It was his flick when attempting to clear that helped the ball onto Nunez for Liverpool's opening goal. Was in conversation with Flynn Downes and Taylor Harwood-Bellis after Liverpool's second. Had a brief scuffle with Nunez before hugging things out.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.

Ensure Liverpool did not extend their lead by making two goal-line blocks, keeping Saints in the game until the final minute. Looked to play forward quickly with crossfield balls. Missed an early header as Ryan Manning's cross got caught in the wind. Pumped the crowd up.

Nathan Wood - 6.

Continues to find his feet at this level. His early booted clearance was cheered by the home fans. Looked to drive forward when possible. Finished the game in a back-two alongside Harwood-Bellis after Bednarek was withdrawn.

Ryan Manning - 6.

Elliott's goal took a slight deflection off his outstretched leg. Other than that he had another solid display down the left wing. As mentioned, an early free-kick delivery went behind Harwood-Bellis because of the wind.

Liverpool's Tyler Morton (left) and Southampton's Ryan Manning battle for the ball.Liverpool's Tyler Morton (left) and Southampton's Ryan Manning battle for the ball. (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA) Flynn Downes - 5.

Did not have his best game in a Saints shirt and was withdrawn after 73 minutes for the far more attacking Kamaldeen Sulemana. Saw yellow after a grabbing contest with Elliott.

Mateus Fernandes - 7.

Was much better in the second half. Tried to pull down Alexander-Arnold before his long ball eventually led to Nunez's opener. Typified the change in intensity. Robbed of a late chance from a similar long ball from McCarthy when Quansah pulled him down and received no punishment. 

Joe Aribo - 5.

Played 84 minutes without producing a moment to remember. Only had 25 touches - indicating the change of style for Saints. Did not make a tackle either and was eventually replaced by Adam Lallana.

Southampton's Joe Aribo (right) and Liverpool's Harvey Elliott battle for the ball.Southampton's Joe Aribo (right) and Liverpool's Harvey Elliott battle for the ball. (Image: Stuart Martin) Tyler Dibling - 6.

Had Southampton's first chance of the game but could only shoot straight at Caoimhin Kelleher after a good drive. Improved after the break and tested the away defence with further powerful runs.

Cameron Archer - 7.

Delivered an impressive performance, despite struggling with illness in the week. Was an isolated figure in the first half but showed a lot of energy with runs to goal and when tracking back. Thumped in to pull Saints back into the game before being denied a second by Kelleher.

Substitutes

Yukinari Sugawara - 7.

The best cameo from a largely successful selection of substitutions. Had a big impact down the right-hand side. Created the second most chances in the game (three) despite only playing a third of the game.

Yukinari Sugawara and interim boss Simon Rusk.Yukinari Sugawara and interim boss Simon Rusk. (Image: Stuart Martin) Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6.

His best Saints cameo in recent memory. Looked like he relished the freedom of running with the ball rather than needing to pass. Knocked a perfect ball into Paul Onuachu but the forward's finish was clumsy.

Paul Onuachu - 6.

As just outlined, he spurned a great chance to level the game when Kamaldeen found him but he slipped in almost the same spot as McCarthy did in the first half.

Ben Brereton Diaz - N/A.

Headed into Kelleher's arms from a good Fernandes ball - but the flag was raised anyway.

Ben Brereton Diaz and interim boss Simon Rusk.Ben Brereton Diaz and interim boss Simon Rusk. (Image: Stuart Martin) Adam Lallana - N/A.

Came on to a nice reception from both sets of supporters to play for the first time since suffering an injury against Liverpool in the league game. Played 10 minutes.