Liverpool player ratings vs Southampton as 8/10 star inspires huge comeback | Football | Sport
Liverpool had to come from a goal behind to beat Southampton 3-1 and move 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League. Will Smallbone capitalised on a mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to put the Saints 1-0 up against the hosts before half-time. Liverpool were sluggish in the first 45 minutes and fashioned very few chances against their bottom-of-the-league opponents.
But three half-time substitutes helped bring some pace to the play and by the 54th minute, the Reds led 2-1 after Darwin Nunez’s finish and a Mohamed Salah penalty that had been won by the Uruguayan. Salah scored another spot-kick late on to kill the game and take his team another step closer to the title before Arsenal‘s trip to Manchester United tomorrow. Express Sport rates and slates the Reds after an important victory…
Liverpool player ratings vs Southampton
Alisson – 6
Some solid saves and catches in the first half before a mix-up with Van Dijk that was more the Dutch defender’s fault than the keeper’s. Made a second-half stop from Cameron Archer to keep Liverpool in front after the turnaround.
Denied by Aaron Ramsdale and was one of Liverpool’s likeliest players to make something happen in the first 45. Also some excellent passes second half.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Fairly solid and no glaring errors – unlike his centre-back partner.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Awful mistake to help gift Southampton the lead when he should have simply cleared the ball. Hardly bothered second half though.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5
Seemed to struggle for rhythm and was brought off at half-time after picking up a cynical yellow card.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Some good flashes but largely below his best level. Looked tired, with Liverpool fans relieved he came off with minutes to spare.
Curtis Jones – 6
Should have made it 1-0 in the fifth minute and was good on the ball. A surprise to see him brought off at the break.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Liverpool’s marathon man didn’t last the full 90 this time but did get another 45. Not as energetic as his previous outings, rather understandably.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Struggled first half but improved after half-time and scored the penalties to make it 2-1 and 3-1 to Liverpool. Became the Reds’ third-highest goalscorer ever in the process. Outside of two excellent spot-kicks was quieter than he’d have hoped. That said, he’s up to 27 goals and 17 assists in 29 Premier League games. Obscene.
Darwin Nunez – 8 MOTM
The surprising hero. First-half display summed up by his booking for a frustrated silly swipe on Kyle Walker-Peters. But his energy helped turn the game around as he turned in Luis Diaz’s cross to make it 1-1 before winning a penalty only a minute later. Given a standing ovation on his way off.
Luis Diaz – 7
Ineffective first half summed up by an awful shot that was nearer the corner flag than the goal. Far better in the second as he drove directly at Southampton defenders, setting up Nunez’s equaliser with a nice dribble. His pressing also helped lead to Liverpool‘s second penalty.
Substitutes
Harvey Elliott – 7
Brought on at half-time after his PSG winner in midweek. Immediately forced a good save from Ramsdale and frequently involved, taking several well-struck shots on goal.
Andy Robertson – 7
Another of three half-time subs and was much livelier than Tsimikas as he bombed down the left-hand side.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
The third of the subs at the break, brought more composure to the midfield.
Diogo Jota – 6
Replaced game-changer Nunez after 68 minutes. Didn’t see too much of the ball.
Wataru Endo – N/A
Helped see the game out.
Jarell Quansah – N/A
Some late minutes in the legs. A sixth sub after Southampton used a concussion protocol sub in the first half.
