Liverpool kept knocking on the door, and loosening the locks but they just could not break down a very resolute Southampton side today.
This is how the Reds fared.
Loris Karius (6.5) – Spectator for the whole of the game. Came out once to make a punch. Released the ball at the earliest whenever he got it.
Nathaniel Clyne (6) – Considering the fact that Southampton lined up very narrow, Clyne could have done a lot better today. He often bought the ball into the midfield which was already crowded. Missed a glorious chance to put Liverpool ahead with a header in the second half.
Joel Matip (8.5) – Solid in whatever little he had to do. Used his long steps to catch up with Austin on more than one occasion. Made occasional forays into the attack. As close to perfect as he could be.
Dejan Lovren (7.5) – Booed through-out the game by the home support, Lovren was competent tonight in dealing with the limited threat from Southampton. Made a great tackle on Redmond early on to show he meant business. Only major blemish was his bizarre long ball which was nowhere in the vicinity of any Liverpool player.
James Milner (7) – Milner had the better performance amongst the full-backs as he dealt with the constant threat of the returning Soares. He was often found in acres of space and it was puzzling that the midfield did not spot him more often than not in the first-half. Solid defensively through out the game.
Jordan Henderson (7.5) – Worked tirelessly throughout the game as he tried to keep the Liverpool attack ticking. The first-half saw him drop in between the two centre-backs to initiate the attacking play. Made some excellent tackles and interceptions as he looks to have fully settled into the deeper midfield role.
Emre Can (7) – Can started in a slow fashion as he has tended to do in the last couple of games as he misplaced a couple of passes and was caught out of position more than once. He gradually grew into the game as he started exhibiting his ball carrying-abilities from midfield into attack. Made a great run forward in the second-half but put the ball wide off his weaker foot.
Giorginio Wijnaldum (7.5) – The usual solid performance from Wijnaldum as he kept the ball moving with his efficient one-touch passing. Made some excellent off-the-ball runs which he was known for at Newcastle.
Sadio Mane (7.5) – A good performance from Mane as he had a couple of excellent chances but was denied by an excellent tackle from Van Dijk followed by a top save from Forster. He was not very involved in the second-half as he faded , presumably from his long travels over the international break.
Roberto Firmino (7) – The usual hardworking, tireless performance from Firmino. His hold-up play, which has gone under the radar, was excellent tonight too. Missed the best chance of the game in the second-half, as he chose to shoot with the outside of his boot and put the glorious opportunity wide.
Phil Coutinho (6.5) – The first-half performance from Coutinho suggested that he was indeed tired after playing both recent games for Brazil. The usual sharpness was missing and he was dispossessed far more easily than usual. He played a deeper role in the second-half and it sparked a mini-revival in his performance levels as all the play went through him. If he was at his 100% sharpness though, he would have buried the chance he was presented in the second-half.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge (7) : Was bright in his cameo appearance as he was very involved and created a couple of opportunities, hence one could wonder why he was not brought in earlier.
Divock Origi (N/A)
