Liverpool’s inconsistency this season hit a new high or low as they let a two goal lead slip away against Southampton. Liverpool dominated the first half and were two goals up thanks to Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge but Southampton came roaring back in the second half.
Sadio Mane’s brace was sandwiched between a Graziano Pelle wonder strike. Jurgen Klopp would have expected to make up a place on Manchester United who played Manchester City later but now will have to reflect on how they lost a game they should have easily won.
We look back at the game and provide the player ratings for the Liverpool players.
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
The Belgian did not have much to do in the first half but started the second by making an important penalty save from Sadio Mane but could not do much to stop the other three goals going int.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Nothing too flashy from the English defender, he was placed as a left-back to accommodate Jon Flanagan and did pretty well at St Mary’s.
Dejan Lovren – 7/10
Lovren did have an action packed first half as he was lucky not to give a penalty away and was booked as well. He did get replaced by Martin Skrtel in the second half but he did have a good game.
Mamadou Sakho – 7/10
He might not look comfortable on the ball but he did make some great tackles and blocks to keep Southampton out in the first half, the second half was a disaster from Sakho and Martin Skrtel though.
Jon Flanagan – 6/10
The captain for the game, Jon Flanagan didn’t really stand out but had a decent game at the back for the Reds. He gave the ball away for Southampton’s first goal though.
Emre Can – 6/10
The German had an off day, although he did do well in the first half but in the second half he couldn’t do much and was run over by the Saints midfield.
Joe Allen – 5/10
Joe Allen had an exceptional first half and should have scored once but was denied greatly by Forster. Allen did find the back of the net but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside but went missing in the second half.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
The former Saints player had a few good flicks and passes in the first half but when the going got tough, he withered like the rest of the Liverpool team and didn’t really contribute in the second half.
Philippe Coutinho – 6/10
Coutinho got the ball rolling again with his goal but couldn’t get Liverpool more goals when they needed it.
Divock Origi – 6/10
Origi was full of running but couldn’t trouble the scoreboard this game.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
The Englishman was excellent in the first half and scored with a great finish, though he did tire in the end and was taken off with roughly 20 minutes left in the game.
Substitutes:
Martin Skrtel – 4/10
Skrtel was brought on to replace Lovren and immediately gave a penalty away. He could not deal with Pelle and certainly had a role to play in a couple of goals that Liverpool conceded. Flop Of The Game.
Christian Benteke – 5/10
Benteke had a great chance to make it 3-1 in the second half and his miss was costly for the team but Skrtel was the bigger criminal in this game.
Sheyi Ojo – NA
Came on late as a substitute but couldn’t really do much to change the outcome of the game.
Match Highlights: