EPL 2016/17: Southampton 0-0 Liverpool - Player Ratings
Liverpool dropped two points against Southampton as a 0-0 draw at the St. Mary's stadium somewhat derailed their title aspirations. It was an inspired defensive performance from the home side as the Claude Puel side were drilled to perfection to face the Reds' attack.
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane came the closest for the visitors but Jurgen Klopp was left bemused at the touchline as Liverpool had the major share of possession but failed to reflect that on the scoreline.
Southampton
Fraser Forster: 7/10
Forster was sensational on the night as he made some crucial saves to keep Southampton in the game. His save against a Mane shot from the left was the moment of the game.
Cedric Soares: 6.5
The Portuguese kept the Reds' attackers at bay as he held his ground well and was ready for any challenge that Liverpool threw at him. His impressive performance had one sour note as he was booked for a challenge on Coutinho.
Jose Fonte: 5.5
The experienced Portuguese defender was decent when he was in possession but failed at times against the pace of Firmino and Mane. He made one fine tackle to stop Coutinho from taking a shot.
Virgil Van Dijk: 8
Certainly one of the best players on the night, the former Celtic man was absolutely colossal as he kept Liverpool at bay for the entire 90 minutes.
Ryan Bertrand: 6
The England international was under constant threat as Liverpool attacked from his flank to gave him problems. He committed some unnecessary fouls but did all the dirty work pretty well.
Steven Davis: 5.5
The Northern Irish midfielder was tidy in possession but failed to do his defensive work to the tee as he was beaten far too easily at times.
Oriol Romeu: 6.5
The former Chelsea man had one of his better nights in a red and white shirt as he threaded some fine balls and broke many of Liverpool's attacks.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg: 6
Hojberg was robust in midfield and worked tirelessly for his side. He was substituted before 12 minutes until the final whistle and was given a rapturous applause by the Saints crowd.
Sofiane Boufal: 5.5
The Saints' record signing was silent in the first half but showed glimpses of his prodigious talent in the second half.
Nathan Redmond: 5.5
The young Englishman was denied the desired service and was disappointing, to say the least. Redmond showed quick feet at times.
Charlie Austin: 6
Austin was a frustrated figure as the lone figure forward as his other teammates were involved in the defensive scheme of things. The only major chance that the Saints had fell to him.
Substitutions
Shane Long: 6.5
He replaced Boufal and was incessant in his pressing but failed to create much for the home side.
Jay Rodriguez: 6.5
He replaced Austin and showed his immense talent but was eventually more concentrated in defending.
Harrison Reed: NA
The youngster played for just 12 minutes and was good in possession as he replaced Hojberg well.