Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool: 5 talking points as Reds march into quarter-finals | EFL Cup 2021-22

Liverpool advanced into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup 2021-22 after prevailing 2-0 over Preston North End. Second-half goals from Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi got the job done for the Reds, who're now in the hat for Sunday's last-eight draw.

The Lilywhites, despite an expected loss, impressed with their attacking intent in the first half. They pushed their mighty visitors on the backfoot with some clinical counterattacks.

Much to their dismay, Adrian was in inspired form. He made some key saves to keep the game in the balance before Liverpool's superior attacking quality eventually shone through.

The Reds have now gone nine straight away games without losing, winning eight of them. On that note, here are the five major talking points from the game:

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#5 Liverpool's defence on the ropes

Preston looked really threatening in the first half.

Despite the obvious gulf in stature and quality of the sides, it was Preston who started the match brightly. They capped off an impressive first-half performance that saw them create a few good chances and leave the Reds on tenterhooks.

The centre-back pairing of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip looked shaky and lacking in composure. The Lilywhites broke through their defensive line twice during the first 45 minutes.

They expertly beat the offside trap on both occasions, forcing Adrian into making two amazing saves. Neco Williams made a superb headed clearance too as Liverpool's defence was on the ropes.

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#4 Tyler Morton packs a punch

Morton could have a bright future at the club.

Among the two teenagers who started for Liverpool on the night, Tyler Morton was the more impressive. The 18-year-old midfielder put in an assured display in what was his first start for the club.

He was tidy in possession, making top-notch passes, and registering a completion rate of 94%. Some of them were line-breaking, helping the Reds get the ball forward.

Morton belied composure beyond his years. He helped out defensively on a few occasions when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones were too high up the pitch.

#3 Preston didn't go down without a fight

Preston can be proud of their performance.

Preston's hopes of causing an upset were squished by Liverpool. But they can still be proud of a brave performance against the mighty Reds. Setting up to hurt the visitors on the counter, the Lilywhites caused a few nervy moments inside Liverpool's half early on in the first half.

Bradd Potts and Sean Maguire came close to scoring a few times. But they were denied by the excellence of Adrian, who was on hand to deny them on each occasion.

Preston seemed to have momentum in their favour, but couldn't find a breakthrough, although their high-pressing kept Liverpool on their toes.

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#2 Minamino loves away games for Liverpool

All seven of Minamino's goal for Liverpool have come away from home.

The Japanese star has scored seven goals for Liverpool so far, including his strike on the night. Interestingly, all of them have come away from home. Call it good fortune or a mere coincidence, but there's no denying that Takumi Minamino loves scoring on Liverpool's travels.

He opened his account with a strike against Arsenal in the Community Shield clash at Wembley last year. Minamino then fired one against Crystal Palace in the famous 7-0 drubbing.

His five other goals have come in the EFL Cup - twice away to Lincoln and Norwich, and one away to Preston tonight.

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#1 Origi adds another memorable goal to his collection

Origi scored a cheeky backheel goal.

Origi doesn't always score, but whenever he does, he either makes history or scores a peach of a strike, like the one he produced tonight. He doubled Liverpool's advantage and sealed the contest in stunning fashion, executing a fine backheel to leave onlookers in awe.

Williams' effort came off a Preston player, and the ball appeared to come behind Origi. But Origi was audacious enough to make a back-heel kick, planting his effort nonchalantly into the net.

Despite his bit-part role at Liverpool, the 26-year-old has had many incredible moments to look back upon. Add this one to that from tonight.