Liverpool entertained Southampton at Anfield earlier today hoping to get another victory under their belt in front of their home supporters. The Reds started in rampant fashion and scored in the 10th minute courtesy of Wesley Hoedt’s own goal. Joel Matip doubled the home team’s lead in the 21st minute when his well-placed header found the back of the net. The Merseyside club scored again before half-time when Xherdan Shaqiri’s free-kick hit the post, and Mohamed Salah was there to turn it in from close range.
The second half started with the Saints enjoying a bit more possession as Liverpool took their foot off the gas. Both teams fought hard but couldn’t add to the goal tally. The match finished 3-0 in favour of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against the Saints.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6/10
The Brazilian hardly had anything to do in the game but made a good save right at the end to earn another clean sheet at Anfield.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
He picked out Joel Matip well from the corner for Liverpool’s second goal and did his job well defensively.
CB: Joel Matip – 8.5/10
He scored a good goal with his well-timed header. The Cameroonian also kept things tight at the back and secured a deserved clean sheet.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 8/10
The Dutch centre-back dominated the Reds defence and did not give anything away to the Saints attackers in the first half. Got a sore rib to show for his efforts but should be fine for the next game.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
Another tireless display from the Scotsman! He was a good outlet going forward but failed to produce a telling ball in the final third.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The English midfielder retained possession and was flawless with his distribution of the ball.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
He worked hard but failed to make an impact in the opposition half.
CAM: Xherdan Shaqiri – 8/10
His cross from the left wing was deflected into Hoedt’s path who scored an unfortunate own goal for the away side. Shaqiri’s free-kick helped set up Salah’s goal as he was Liverpool’s best attacker in the first half. Subbed off at halftime to keep him fresh for the League Cup tie against Chelsea
RM: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian was quite sharp in the first half but his impact on the game faded during the latter stages of the match.
LM: Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
The Senegalese made a lot of runs behind the Saints defence and was unlucky not to score on the day.
ST: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian started as a centre-forward and was desperate for a goal. He got his reward just before half-time when he tapped the ball in from close range.
Substitutes:
CM: James Milner – 7/10
He came off the bench at half-time to boss the midfield for the home side.
CB: Joe Gomez – 8/10
He was flawless while defending his goal after coming on to replace the injured Van Dijk.
CM: Naby Keita – 6/10
He played a few good passes but did not do enough to score in the second half.
