Liverpool 4-0 Southampton: Liverpool Player Ratings
In the end, Liverpool made it look much easier than it was. Four goals, three points, job done.
Southampton showed dight and took the game to Liverpool. They could easily have been up by two or even three goals if not for the magnificent Alisson Becker.
The Liverpool keeper kept his side in the game as the Saints dictated proceedings in the first half. The Brazilian number one made crucial saves against Moussa Djenepo, Shane Long, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and the returning Danny Ings.
Liverpool too had their chances with Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain going close before Roberto Firmino was unceremoniously hacked down by Long. The referee and then VAR surprisingly gave no foul as the Saints finished the half as the better team.
The Reds came out a different team and grabbed the match by the scruff off the neck as Oxlade-Chamberlain gave them the lead early into the second half.
What followed was a hattrick of assists by Firmino as the Brazilian first set up Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah for a double as the Reds ran riot.
Liverpool will face better opposition than Southampton in the matches to come, but not many will give the Reds a game like the Saints did in the first half.
It is the ability of Liverpool’s stars to put in performances of individual brilliance that makes up for the tam’s fallacies that define this team. If Alisson was the hero in the first half, the mantle passed on to Firmino in the second.
There is no death of character nor desire as the Reds take one step closer to the Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp’s side are now 22 points ahead of Manchester City as they extend their unbeaten run in the league to 42 games.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (9/10)
The Messi of goalkeepers, Alisson showed exactly why he is considered the best in the world as he single-handedly kept his side in the game in the first half.
The Brazilian is now tied for the Premier League Golden Glove. An impressive stat considering he played 8 games less this season due to injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)
A quiet game by his standards. One of the rare games where he failed to make a key pass. Had an opportunity with a freekick in the first half but couldn’t make the most of it.
Joe Gomez (6.5/10)
Wobbly in the first half as Southampton were relentless in pressurizing the Liverpool backline. He was too casual in the first half as Danny Ings stole the ball off him only for Alisson to shut him down.
Improved in the second half and looked his usual assured self.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10)
Put more under pressure than he usually is and responded well to the threat. Was in the right place at the right time and showed excellent positioning to snuff out any Saints attack.
Almost scored with an audacious backheel in the first half.
Andrew Robertson (6/10)
Looks far from his best as he was troubled by Djenepo and Nathan Redmond in the first half. Improved along with the team the more the game went on. Brought the ball out of defense well in the second half as he put Liverpool on the attack. Looks knackered and the winter break will do him good.
Fabinho (7/10)
The Brazilian had his best game for Liverpool since his return from injury. Got stuck in and won a few key tackles as Southampton threatened to break. Did the dirty work well and was fortunate to get off with some of the tackles.
Jordan Henderson (8/10)
Another masterful performance from the Liverpool captain as he continues to lead from the front. Calmed nerves as he scored Liverpool’s second and took command of the midfield in the second half.
Rightfully received a standing ovation as he was taken off late in the game.
Gini Wijnaldum (6/10)
An uncharacteristically poor performance by the Dutchman who was sloppy in possession. Not his best game as he hardly did anything of note and the game passed him by. Southampton bypassed him with ease in the first half. The 29-year-old improved after the break but not a performance that will live in memory.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (8/10)
An excellent performance by the Englishman who scored his second goal in two games. Deputizing for the injured Sadio Mane, the Englishman proved a direct attacking threat down the flank and ran at the Southampton defense.
Showed good energy and drive before being replaced by Naby Keita in the second half.
Mohamed Salah (9/10)
Used his pace and guile to good effect in the second half as he constantly tormented the Saints backline. Ran into space well as he created opportunities for his teammates. Almost set up Takumi Minamino for his first goal and was unfortunate to see a fine team goal chalked off for offside.
Roberto Firmino (8/10)
The Brazilian was denied a stonewall penalty in the first half and he decided to get even by making three assists after the break.
His movement and skill on the ball created plenty of problems for Southampton as he successfully set up Henderson and Salah as Liverpool asserted their dominance.
Substitutes
Naby Keita (7/10)
Showed good vision to put Firmino through and showed drive. Got in Minamino’s way as he looked to pull the trigger.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool midfielder Morgan Boyes extends his Reds contract by two years
- Bayer Leverkusen expect Liverpool to bid for Kai Havertz
- Jurgen Klopp provides injury update on Divock Origi
Takumi Minamino (6.5/10)
Should have done well after Salah presented him with a sitter. Seems to lack confidence and a good game against Shrewsbury should do him good.
Adam Lallana (NA)
Came on late for Jordan Henderson as Liverpool looked to see out the game.
