Southampton have booked their place at Wembley for the final of the EFL Cup in a month’s time after an historic 1-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday night gave Claude Puel’s side a 2-0 aggregate win.

The Saints were under the cosh for the majority of both legs but two breakaway goals from Nathan Redmond and Shane Long in the first and second legs, respectively, coupled with remarkable defensive work, was enough to see them through to the final.

The southerners become the first side to reach the final of the League Cup having not conceded a single goal, and did so exclusively against Premier League opposition, having got past Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Arsenal and now Liverpool to set up a Wembley clash with either Manchester United or Hull City.

Whilst Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated possession wise throughout both legs of the semi-final, the lack of Sadio Mane, who remains away on international duty with Senegal, was evident as the Reds looked lacklustre when parked on the edge of the Southampton box, often failing to find a way through.

With Shane Long’s injury time goal at Anfield securing the Saints their first shot at a major trophy since the FA Cup final in 2003, it’s time to take a look at what’s hot and what’s not from Wednesday night’s semi-final…

HOT – Claude Puel

The Frenchman has been under fire from some sections of the Southampton support this season, with their league form not quite matching that of the previous seasons. However, the former Nice boss has now done what only legendary mangers Lawrie McMenemy and Gordon Strachan had previously done in taking the Saints to Wembley in a major final.

Puel had his side as well drilled as any side we’ve seen this season, perfectly shutting down Klopp’s potent attacking force. The Saints have now made it three games against Liverpool this season without having conceded a single goal, with two wins and a draw.

NOT – Jurgen Klopp

Whilst the Southampton manager’s plan was almost flawless, his German counterpart did not quite shower himself in glory after the second leg defeat on Wednesday.

The former Borussia Dortmund, who had to watch his side fall in the League Cup final last season, blamed everything from the referee, Martin Atkinson, to the wind at Anfield last night. Not so humble in defeat.

HOT – Jack Stephens

We here at Shoot! love to keep an eye on the up and coming players in English football, and can’t help but to wax lyrical every time we see another come from the ranks of the Southampton academy.

This was the case once again on Merseyside last night. In the absence of the injured Virgil van Dijk and the departed Jose Fonte, you would forgive many a Saints fan for feeling a little nervous about their back line.

Filling in were the pair of Maya Yoshida and youngster Jack Stephens, who were the best players on the pitch at Anfield on Wednesday.

The England U21 international looked as if he had been at the heart of the Saints defence all season, and never looked taken aback by the occasion.

Van Dijk, who?

NOT – Jordan Henderson

Many are beginning to point the finger the way of the England international.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have stuttered since the turn of the year, and are yet to win a Premier League game in 2017.

The loss of Sadio mane would hurt any side, however, there was a distinct lack of creativity from the home side at Anfield on Wednesday, something which the former Sunderland man should have solved.

When pressing the Reds needed someone to pull the strings and pick the holes in a tight Southampton defence, however, along with midfield partner Emre Can, the frontmen had no such help.