Liverpool continued their impressive form in the title race on Saturday afternoon with a 4-0 win over Southampton at Anfield.
The Reds got off to the perfect start with a goal in the first two minutes, as a clever build between Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson completed by Diogo Jota. Southampton seemed to respond, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side playing higher and despite leaving the door open to counterattack, Armando Broja wasted a good opportunity under pressure from Ibrahima Konate.
The away team soon had to pay the price for not taking advantage of the mistake. Jordan Henderson’s precise ball allowed Mo Salah to come down to save Jota’s double before Thiago’s efforts were then diverted in the past. Alex McCarthy on Liverpool’s third.
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A double change from the Saints at halftime suggested they had a plan to get back into the game, but any hopes of doing so were quickly dashed when Virgil van Dijk found time to volley home from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner just seven minutes after starting again. Jota could have scored a hat-trick from Robertson’s precise cross on the left, but the reaction from Southampton allowed the Anfield crowd to relax as Liverpool passed the remaining minutes in the manner of a practice game.
Positive
Liverpool were at their best and punished Southampton for not taking full advantage of the opportunity. The Saints were unable to cope with Jurgen Klopp’s side attack on Saturday afternoon.
Negative
Some smug moments came after the first goal with mistakes creating some promising opportunities, which a better team could have taken.
Manager rating above 10
8 — Jurgen Klopp’s side selection ensures control in the middle of the park while allowing the forward trio to flourish. The Liverpool manager also responded well to Southampton’s adjustments throughout the game to show off a comfortable performance.
Player Rating (1-10; 10 = best, players referred after 70 minutes are not ranked)
GK Alisson, 8 — It could have been a different game without Alisson, who was called up at two key moments in the first half. A powerful save denied Broja before the Brazilian keeper was later denied Adam Armstrong to maintain Liverpool’s three-goal cushion.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 – Yet another assist for the right-back, whose second-half corner was volleyed by Virgil van Dijk.
DF Ibrahima Konate, 7 – The 22-year-old put vital pressure on Broja, who was forced to lose his balance when he kicked the ball inside the box, to keep a clean sheet. A guaranteed performance.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 years old – NS Netherlands The star looked serene during the 90 minutes in defence. He will be delighted to return to scoring form, with his first second-half goal for the club since September 2020.
DF Andy Robertson, 8 years old – A bright overall performance. The Scotland captain looked sharp as he resumed training to return to fitness, and he ended the day with an assist that kept Liverpool warm and productive.
MF Fabinho, 8 — Southampton have difficulty playing in midfield and that’s largely down to Fabinho’s influence. The Brazilian was quick to react to loose balls and didn’t lose a single duel.
MF Thiago, 7 – Second goal in a week for Thiago, who is starting to find his best form of the season. Despite a few passes not finding the intended target, Spain The international is always looking to move the ball gradually to start the attack for the third line.
MF Jordan Henderson, 7 – The captain played a key role in Liverpool’s second goal and Henderson showed composure as the crowd urged him to shoot, instead of choosing Salah, who gave Jota an easy finish.
FW Sadio Mane, 8 years old – Southampton struggled to land Sadio Mane, who seemed to have enough room on the counter-attack, although he was not spotted by his teammates on the final ball. Linking play with Robertson on the left wing proved to be a regular route to goal in an error-free performance.
FW Diogo Jota, 8 – Jota should have had three goals in the first half as he continued to find space in the Southampton box throughout the game. He had a last chance to score a hat-trick in the second half but was unable to finish Robertson’s pass.
FW Mohamed Salah, 8 — Rarely do we see the Egyptian finish a game without a goal, but his overall play still played a big part in Liverpool’s win that day. Salah’s movement created space for teammates, while the Southampton players could not close him when he had the ball.
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MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 6 (Thiago, 59″) – The 28-year-old is in brilliant form and maintains Liverpool’s energy in midfield, although he could have done better with an effort that went straight to the keeper.
MF James Milner, 6 (Henderson, 67″) – Wear the captain’s armband as he comes on for Jordan Henderson and ease Liverpool through the rest of the game.
FW Takumi Minamino, N/R (Jota, 81″) – In the final minutes of the game for Diogo Jota.
