Emirates FA Cup: 18-year-olds embarrass Aribo's Saints as Liverpool book United date

Another dream night for Liverpool's youngsters in England, with Danns and Koumas starring.

Emirates FA Cup: 18-year-olds embarrass Aribo's Saints as Liverpool book United date

Izuchukwu Akawor 22:47 - 28.02.2024

Liverpool and Manchester United will face off against each other in the Emirates FA after a routine win against Joe Aribo and Southampton.

A dream performance from teenage talent Jayden Danns fired Liverpool into the FA Cup quarterfinals as his brace helped see off Southampton 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s Joe Aribo was helpless as Liverpool’s teen wonders toyed with the Saints to set up a mouthwatering clash against Manchester United in the last eight.

Young Reds outshine Aribo

With first-team stars rested, Liverpool fielded a youthful side including two 18-year-olds, with one of them making his full debut - Danns and Lewis Koumas.

But it was experienced international Joe Aribo who Liverpool had to keep quiet, with the Saints star unable to influence proceedings against the Reds.

Jayden Danns stole the show at Anfield against the Saints.
Jayden Danns stole the show at Anfield against the Saints. (Photo Credit: LFC/X)

Instead, it was Danns who stole the show. Introduced from the bench just after the hour mark for Koumas, the striker made an immediate impact 10 minutes later.

Danns then cemented his star display by adding a second two minutes from time, showing remarkable instinct to tuck home a rebound to seal the deal.

Aribo. (Photo Credit: Southampton/Instagram)

Earlier, Koumas had opened the scoring with a strike on his maiden senior start just before the break to give Jurgen Klopp’s young Reds a deserved lead at the break.

Victory means Liverpool will now face rivals Manchester United in a mouthwatering FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford next month.

Lewis Koumas celebrates his opener for Liverpool.
Lewis Koumas celebrates his opener for Liverpool.

While Saints struggled at Anfield, Aribo was unable to help his Championship side despite creating two good chances and making two key passes.

But for Liverpool's rising stars, this FA Cup tie will live long in the memory as they took a memorable first step into senior football.

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