A well-drilled Southampton defence was able to keep the Premier League’s top scorers out at St Mary’s. Liverpool were hoping for an easy victory away from home but Claude Puel’s side were resilient in defence and ensured the Merseyside club could only leave with one point.
The Reds did have a plethora of chances and will only have themselves to blame for not scoring in the game. Even though it was the first game after the most recent international break, the league leaders should have scored and won the game easily.
The players did give it their all and it was not the worst result in the world. Southampton is not an easy place to go to and with players returning from their national duty, a point isn’t that bad.
We look back at the game and present the player ratings for the away side.
Loris Karius – 7/10
The German keeper would want more days like this as he was barely troubled. He did keep a clean sheet which will boost his confidence for the rest of the games.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Clyne was great in defence as he bombed forward to join the attack as well. The Englishman should have done better with his header in the second half though.
Joel Matip – 9/10
The former Schalke defender, he did well right from the start by blocking a shot and was imperious in defence. Hopefully, he will keep performing to this level for the rest of the season.
Dejan Lovren – 8/10
One of the few former Saints stars on display for the Reds, Lovren was good as well despite the boos from the home crowd.
James Milner – 7/10
The Englishman was up against Nathan Redmond but he held his own against a tricky opponent. This was a topical James Milner performance, nothing too flashy and a good performance overall.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
Wijnaldum did have a decent game, although there are many bright moments from him, he does put in a good shift but he should score more goals for the side.
Jordan Henderson – 7/10
The captain did his role without any mistakes. The Englishman didn’t really have to do much in defence as well.
Emre Can – 6/10
The German didn’t have the greatest of games and even he was guilty of missing out a chance to score. He was taken off but should have been substituted way earlier than the 78th minute.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
The Senegalese star should have scored for his new club against his older one. The 24-year-old was thwarted brilliantly by Fraser Forster and was a threat all night long.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The former Hoffenheim man also was guilty of missing a great chance but had a decent game as he pressed the Southampton defence well.
Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
Coutinho was a surprise starter for the Reds and didn’t do all that bad, despite playing for Brazil in midweek. Hopefully, he would be sharper in the next game for the Reds.
Substitutes
Daniel Sturridge – 6/10
The Englishman was brought in the 78th minute and did have a few good runs for the side. He should have been brought on earlier, though.
Divock Origi – NA
The Belgian was brought on as a late sub, in time added on and didn’t have time to make an impact for the side. He should have been brought on much earlier.
