Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff City: Harvey Elliott among scorers as Reds reach FA Cup fifth round

Liverpool reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for only the second time in seven seasons as they saw off a weakened but spirited Cardiff City.

The much-changed visitors, 20th in the Championship, dug in to frustrate Jurgen Klopp's men during a goalless first half in which they had an appeal for a penalty rejected after Mark Harris fell under a challenge from Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool eventually made their domination count in the second half as Diogo Jota headed in from Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick.

New signing Luis Diaz came on to set up Takumi Minamino for the Reds' second, before Harvey Elliott marked his return after five months out injured with an elegant swivel and finish.

Substitute Rubin Colwill's powerful low drive gave Cardiff's large and noisy travelling supporters late reason to cheer, but it is Liverpool who will host Norwich City in the last 16.

Having not played for a fortnight, Liverpool fielded a strong side which would have struck fear into most Premier League teams, never mind those in the Championship.

By contrast, Cardiff manager Steve Morison seemed to be prioritising his team's fight for survival in the second tier as he picked an inexperienced team, with first senior starts for teenagers Oliver Denham and Eli King.

It did not take long for Liverpool to assert their dominance, forcing their opponents to defend deep and creating the game's first chance after four minutes as Jota turned and shot powerfully in the box, only for Dillon Phillips to react with a superb save.

Cardiff had to absorb periods of pressure as expected but they carried a threat on the break, with Harris leading their attack energetically.

The Wales forward cut inside from the left and fell under a somewhat clumsy challenge from