Full Time: Liverpool 0-0 Southampton
Liverpool surrendered their advantage in the Champions League race, when they were held to a goalless draw at Anfield by Southampton on Sunday. A penalty miss by James Milner – his first miss in over seven years, proved to too costly for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they failed to score for the fourth time against the Saints this season.
The result while does push them into the third, allows the likes of Manchester City and United a way through as they have one game in hand over the Reds. Here is how the Liverpool players fared against Southampton:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Had very little to do with Southampton rarely threatening. A couple of nervy moments here and there though.
Nathaniel Clyne – 6/10
Ran up and down the flanks, but as has been the case in recent weeks, his end product left a lot to be desired again.
Joel Matip – 7/10
A straight-forward day for the Cameroonian as Saints rarely ventured forward. Did stand strong when called upon.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Another player who did not have a lot to do in the defensive sense. Was alert when needed, but did give away some unnecessary fouls.
James Milner – 5/10
Had a penalty saved that cost Liverpool the match. Got forward well in the second period when his team needed it, but things just didn’t seem to fall in place.
Lucas Leiva – 6/10
Worked hard, always looked to feed the ball to his attackers from deep, but not always to great success. Helped win the penalty with a lobbed pass into the box.
Emre Can – 6/10
Saw a lot of the ball, but did not always make the right use of it. Had a go at the goal late on but couldn’t repeat last Monday’s heroics.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
Did not make the surging runs from the midfield that has become expected of him. Needs to impact the games more.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Liverpool’s best player of the night. Always in the game and looking to make things happen, but the final piece was missing.
Divock Origi – 5/10
Did not use his strength well against the likes of Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida. Needs to do more if he is to nail a starting spot next season.
Philippe Coutinho – 4/10
One great ball for Sturridge late in the game aside, never really looked like causing any problems. Dealt well with by the Saints defence.
Substitutes
Adam Lallana – 6/10
Replaced Lucas in the 68th minute. Misplaced a few passes, not at his best.
Daniel Sturridge – 7/10
Came on for Origi in the 68th minute. Looked sharp from the moment he arrived and had two good chances.
Marko Grujic – NA
Replaced Wijnaldum for the final five minutes. Almost won it with a late header.