(Football news) Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when 18-year-old Koumas made his debut with a deflected goal, despite being pushed back in the first half.
Danns scored his first two goals for Liverpool in the second half after coming off the bench, motivated by his teammate’s first senior goal to book his team’s spot in the FA Cup quarter finals.
While Jurgen Klopp’s side can now look forward to an away meeting with Man United in the last eight, Southampton will now turn their attention back to their bid to earn promotion from the Championship.
Back in action following Sunday’s EFL Cup success, a much-changed Liverpool side were forced to negotiate a tricky start against the determined Saints.
Sekou Mara saw his early strike ruled out inside the opening 60 seconds, before Kamaldeen Sulemana sent his curling effort against the upright. Caoimhin Kelleher was then required to deny Mara on a couple of occasions to ensure the scoreline remained goalless.
Although the Southampton chances became less frequent, the visitors still managed to carve through the Liverpool defence in the 37th minute when Kamaldeen drove purposely into the box, only to fire straight at the resolute Kelleher.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Harvey Elliott tried his luck from range with his fierce strike drawing a strong save from Joe Lumley. A few moments afterward, Koumas managed to go beyond the Southampton keeper, and his low shot, deflected by Jan Bednarek, struck the bottom corner.
After the restart, Russell Martin’s team kept creating and squandering opportunities. Kamaldeen’s near-post attempt was saved by Kelleher, and Shea Charles, who was unmarked, struck the side netting with a shot after the ball had kindly fell to him from a corner.
