Jurgen Klopp’s men moved within a couple of points off Manchester United at the second place in the points table, after an uncharacteristic 2-0 victory at St Mary’s this weekend. The Reds opened the scoring with Roberto Firmino, who was set up by Mohamed Salah. Southampton took time to get into the game but Roberto Firmino’s defence breaking backheel, set up Mohamed Salah for yet another league goal.
They managed to hold on to a 2-0 advantage and took away all three points on the night. Southampton drop to the 18th place after this result but Liverpool are now two points off Spurs, four points off Chelsea and nine points off Arsenal, with just nine games to play this season. Here are the player ratings for the Reds in this game:
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated
Loris Karius (8):
Probably his best game in Liverpool Red, Karius made a superb save at 1-0 down, and was also confident with his handling, helping himself to a well-deserved clean sheet.
Trent Alexandre-Arnold (6):
Great energy and industry down the left flank, where he put pressure on his opponents and kept his flank away from danger.
Joel Matip (5):
Was caught out of position on a couple of occasions and picked up a needless yellow card and needs to improve quickly, with a couple of players breathing down his neck.
Virgil van Dijk (8):
Unfazed by the boos ringing around St Mary’s, the Dutch international hardly put a foot wrong, winning everything thrown at him, and marshalling his backline admirably all game.
Andre Robertson (6):
Was wasteful with his crossing and passing but was just too hard to beat at the other end, as he rarely allowed Southampton to attack down his flank.
Emre Can (6):
Lost the ball far too often and also made a number of late challenges. But won the ball back on a number of occasions on a mixed night for the German.
Georginio Wijnaldum (6):
His best performances away from home for Liverpool, Wijnaldum was ready to take on players in the midfield and was positive in his approach, that showed in Liverpool’s play.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (5):
Was quick to close down the Southampton players but did nothing with the ball and was invisible for the most game before being subbed.
Mohamed Salah (7):
Another game, another goal, another assist for the ‘Egyptian King’, who could have easily had a couple of more.
Roberto Firmino (8):
Slowly turning into one of the most consistent players in England, Firmino picked up a goal and a sumptuous assist for Salah’s goal in a match-winning performance from the Brazilian.
Sadio Mane (6):
Is evidently low on confidence and is trying too hard in the final third. Wasteful with possession and in front of goal. But used his pace to good effect, to disfigure Southampton’s backline.
Substitutes:
James Milner (6):
Replaced the Ox at the hour mark and did well to keep the ball rolling, adding some mettle to the midfield.
Adam Lallana (7):
Added fluidity and creativity to the game, keeping the Saints under pressure, even as they were chasing the game.
Dejan Lovren (N/A)
