Southampton 0 – 2 Liverpool: Salah Scores Again As Reds Make Easy Work Of Saints
It’s not easy to encounter a side who are battling to stay up in the league and Liverpool in particular, had a tough job at St. Mary’s this evening when they locked horns with Southampton in a hostile ambience due to the presence of several ex-Saints in the Reds squad. But the visitors seemed to have shaken off their last weekend’s misfortune against Tottenham Hotspur and delivered a spectacular performance to seal a comprehensive 2-0 win on the road.
Liverpool hit early, banking on Wesley Hoedt’s defensive howler and Mohamed Salah set it up perfectly for Roberto Firmino who finished it from close range. The Saints seemed to be more purposeful after conceding but were repeatedly denied by Liverpool custodian Loris Karius.
The lead was doubled later in the first-half when Firmino’s scintillating backheel was converted by Mo Salah. The tempo dropped a bit after the break but the Reds kept on creating chances. However, the likes of Salah, Mane, and Lallana failed to covert. The game thus ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors who climbed up to 3rd spot once again and uplifted their confidence ahead of the midweek trip to Porto for the Champions League round of 16 encounter.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Loris Karius: 8.5
The Reds custodian was sensational between the sticks and made some decisive saves to prevent the hosts from finding an equaliser. Looked confident with his punches and clearances this evening.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5
The teenager enjoyed his time down the right-hand flank as he maintained defensive composure and also made some ambitious runs forward.
Joel Matip: 8
Matip was rock solid defensively and hardly put a foot wrong all evening. Didn’t allow Guido Carrillo or Shane Long to trouble much inside the box.
Virgil Van Dijk: 8
Was jeered throughout but maintained his composure and showed his aerial supremacy once again. A massive confidence booster for the Dutchman who helped his current side grab a comfortable clean-sheet against his ex-suitors.
Andrew Robertson: 7.5
Had a few troublesome early minutes but adjusted well later on and his runs and crosses down the left-hand side troubled the Saints backline very often.
Emre Can: 7
The German panzer was rusty at times but controlled the midfield with his hard work and combative approach.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5
Still no away goal to his name in the Premier League but made a decent impact on his return to the starting lineup. He made some crucial interceptions, combined well in the midfield and carried the ball forward to operate in advanced areas.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6.5
Played his part in Liverpool’s opener and enjoyed a lively first half. The Englishman, however, made a little impact since the break and was taken off to be replaced by James Milner.
Mohamed Salah: 9
The Egyptian sensation assisted and scored one this evening too and keeps pace with Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero in the golden boot hunt. Was replaced by Dejan Lovren in the closing seconds.
Sadio Mane: 6.5
Looked more purposeful and upbeat against his former employers but is yet to hit the level he set himself during the 2016/17 campaign.
Roberto Firmino: 9
The Brazilian not only scored one but also registered one majestic backheel assist for Mo Salah to double the lead. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Adam Lallana.
Subs
James Milner: 7
Came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Dominated the game centrally and helped his side secure three crucial points.
Adam Lallana: 6
Should have scored one when Salah set it up beautifully for him late in the game.
Dejan Lovren: N/A
Was introduced in the closing seconds of the game.