That is the question that Saints fans will be pondering between now and the second leg of the League Cup Semi Final against Liverpool up at Anfield. Our regular columnist Dan takes a look at our chances of reaching Wembley.
After Wednesday night’s memorable 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, Southampton have the aggregate lead in the tie before they play the second leg away at Anfield in two weeks time. This is a very exciting time for Saints fans as the long wait for Southampton to have an appearance at Wembley since their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy triumph in early 2010 may could be over.
However, Nathan Redmond’s goal could prove to not be enough as missed chances could rue Saints’ cup hopes when the second leg does come around.
Southampton are in a very strong position in their quest to lift their first piece of major silverware since a 1976 FA Cup victory over Manchester United. Claude Puel will deserve plenty of credit if Saints make it to the iconic arch as he will have achieved in his first year in England something that some managers haven’t done with years of experience in England.
I have to admit, I felt something special on Wednesday night. Nights under the lights at St.Mary’s are always special but it felt as if you would be able to tell how important the game was even if you hated football and had no idea about Southampton or Liverpool. Everyone wanted to do well. The fans, the staff and even the players! A dominant and memorable performance will be treasured in all Saints fans’ hearts as we once again beat the club that always buys our players.
But you have to look on the darkside of the situation as it is a realistic one. Nathan Redmond’s goal may not be enough to get Saints over the finishing line as multiple missed chances could bite back at Saints when they travel up to Anfield in two weeks’ time.
Liverpool’s home form has been fantastic this season and I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t should up after an embarrassing show on their behalf.
We saw it last year in the League cup semis with Everton and Man City, Everton won the first leg (at home) 2-1 but lost 3-1 away at Manchester City, giving City a 4-3 advantage on aggregate after losing the first leg by a goal.
I will say that it doesn’t feel like that and as fans, a club, and a community, we feel as if it is our destiny to get to Wembley, get to the final, and hopefully win the cup itself!
Of course, it will be tough to get to the final, but we are in a great position as a draw would be enough to guarantee us progression, a loss could as well however, due to the away goals not being counted in this competition, we would face extra-time and possibly a penalty shootout which would be devastating to lose after all of the hard work.
Still not having conceded a goal is remarkable as we have played strong Premier League teams in this competition but we will/ should prioritise this competition which we did on Wednesday to give us the best chance of reaching our dream. Liverpool go to Wembley most years so we can’t cock it up now as we’re so close!