Nervy yet satisfactory. Brendan Rodgers Liverpool sealed a narrow victory over a depleted Southampton side at Anfield on the opening game of the 2014-2015 season. Now the task is cut out as they face champions Manchester City in their very next match.
Simon Mignolet – 8/10
The Belgian shot-stopper has done it twice in as many seasons. Opening day last season, the Belgian secured the 3 points after a double save from a Jonathan Walters penalty. The save from Morgan Schneiderlin late on was equivalent to the one last season if not better.
Javi Manquillo – 7/10
Though not as assured and convincing as the game last Sunday against Borussia Dortmund, Javi Manquillo endured a tough yet quiet debut at right back. Solid in defence and more than happy to join attacks every other time – Javi Manquillo might just be the Reds’ man at full-back this season.
Martin Skrtel – 7/10
The Slovakian had a solid game alongside Lovren. Strong in tackles and commanding in the air, Skrtel was at his best with a more ‘calm’ partner in Lovren.
Dejan Lovren – 8/10
The Croatian centre-back was at the receiving end of some stick from the Southampton fans. However, his performance at the heart of the defence was as good as we’ve seen for a long time. Calm in possession and someone who always on the front-foot – Lovren is the modern centre back Liverpool have been searching for.
Glen Johnson – 6/10
A better performance from the England international after having borne the brunt of a lot of criticisms over the summer. The 30 year old might just lose his place to young Moreno next week at the Etihad.
Steven Gerrard – 6/10
Not his best game by a mile, yet the Liverpool skipper was integral to the win. One of those few games when the skipper’s defensive performance was more eye-catching.
Lucas Leiva – 5/10
The Brazilian midfielder endured a very tough opener. A lacklustre performance which included losing possession far too often and giving away too many needless free kicks, Lucas was rightly taken off for Allen in the second half. At this rate we can very see Emre Can or Joe Allen taking his place next weekend.
Jordan Henderson – 9/10
The midfield tank was at his best against the Saints. Closing the Saints down and getting forward whenever given the opportunity, Henderson looks like the midfielder that King Kenny paid 16 million for with each performance.
Phillipe Coutinho – 6/10
The diminutive Brazilian was clearly marked out of the game by Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin. Very ineffective in possession, this was one of the games Coutinho would like to forget as soon as he can.
Raheem Sterling – 9/10
The 19 year old wonder-kid is growing in stature with every passing game. Scoring the opener and setting up the winner, Sterling seems to have kicked on from where he left off last season. Rightly adjudged the Man of the Match.
Daniel Sturridge – 8/10
A relatively quiet game for 24 year old ‘Studge’. Having worked all game, a poachers goal that secured the win for the Reds was justice to the shift he put in.
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