Following their crucial away win against Watford in the last gameweek, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool had an opportunity to concrete their top four hopes by defeating Southampton at Anfield in a Sunday afternoon encounter. The Reds faced the Saints thrice this season across all competitions and failed to register a single goal against them. The scenario, however, remains unaltered as James Milner’s spot-kick was denied by Fraser Forster and the Reds failed to score yet again against Claude Puel’s army. The game ended goalless.
Below are the Liverpool players rated from the game.
Simon Mignolet: 6
Southampton failed to register a single shot on target, thus, the Belgian custodian was largely untested. Looked confident with his outing and punches as well as clearances.
Nathaniel Clyne: 5
Ran tirelessly down the right-hand flank. Was well contained by Ryan Bertrand. Needs to improve his crossing skills.
Joel Matip: 6.5
Did well to contain Manolo Gabbiadini. Looked calm and composed.
Dejan Lovren: 7
The former Southampton defender was focused throughout the game and did well to break down counter-attacking threats.
James Milner: 5
An afternoon to forget for the veteran Englishman who missed his first spot-kick of the campaign as his shot was spectacularly denied by Fraser Forster. Failed to whip in proper crosses and once again disappointed with his set-pieces.
Lucas Leiva: 6.5
Worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, screened his defence, combated well against the likes of Gabbiadini, Tadic and Boufal. Delivered some ambitious forward balls. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Adam Lallana.
Emre Can: 6.5
Worked hard in midfield and switched the game in both flanks, but never really felt he was pulling the strings. Tried to test the Saints keeper with long range efforts, those, however, went in vain.
Georginio Wijnladum: 5
Did well to hold possession in midfield but failed to leave any impact from an attacking point of view. Was taken off to be replaced by Marko Grujic towards the end of the game.
Philippe Coutinho: 5
The Brazilian was well contained by Oriol Romeu and Cedric Soares. Tried to test the keeper with his trademark long rangers, but his efforts were easily dealt with by Fraser Forster.
Roberto Firmino: 5
Worked tirelessly and covered almost every blade of grass oo the field. But lacked composure and creativity up front and failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
Divock Origi: 4.5
A disappointing outing by the young Belgian who failed to create any goal bound threat until being replaced by Daniel Sturridge with around 20 minutes remaining.
Substitutes
Adam Lallana: 6.5
Came in place of Lucas Leiva. Impressed with his touches, ball control and smart movements. Should have been introduced much earlier.
Daniel Sturridge: 6.5
Injury has slowed him down, but the Englishman had an immediate impact as he ran through the Saints 9-man backline with his amazing skills. But his effort was denied by Forster.
Marko Grujic: 6.5
The young Serbian missed the majority of the campaign through injuries. Came late in place of Wijnaldum and impressed with his passing and aerial presence. Almost got a winner in added minutes, but his thumping header was spectacularly denied by Fraser Forster.
