Southampton 3-2 Liverpool: Player ratings
Liverpool visited St Mary’s with intentions of building further on their good form of late but could only watch on as their first half performance was overturned in spectacular fashion by a resilient Southampton side.
The game began with Southampton being denied a penalty for a foul on Shane Long. Liverpool would eventually open the scoring from a Philippe Coutinho stunner with a second from Daniel Sturridge doubling the lead. The Reds missed a number of chances after, a fact that they would later rue.
Southampton earned a penalty and missed it in the second half before Sadio Mane scored a goal to pull one back before Graziano Pelle equalised brilliantly later in the game. Sadio Mane scored his second and took the three points for a buoyant Southampton side. Let’s look at how the players fared.
Southampton
Fraser Forster – 5/10
Fraser Forster was not convincing in his role for the first goal. In spite of magic from Coutinho, he could have done better. He was helpless for the second goal but made a brilliant save to deny Joe Allen moments later. He wasn’t tested much thereafter with easy shots sent his way.
Ryan Bertrand – 6/10
Ryan Bertrand played well on the night offering an attacking outlet which became useful in the second half. He wasn’t really troubled much defensively either.
Virgil van Dijk – 5/10
Virgil van Dijk wasn’t exactly at his best on the night as the Liverpool forward line go the better of him and his partner time and again. He was lucky that Liverpool didn’t finish most of their chances.
Jose Fonte – 5/10
It was a difficult night for Jose Fonte as Liverpool’s forwards had a lot of joy at his and his partner’s expense. He had a better second half than first.
Cuco Martina – 4/10
Cuco Martina was troubled consistently by Coutinho floating out onto his side and Divock Origi making merry when charging with the ball at his feet into Martina. He offered little offensively barring a good cross or two.
Jordie Clasie – 4/10
Jordie Clasie did not seem comfortable at all with Joe Allen consistently finding a way past him. He was substituted off at half-time.
Oriol Romeu – 5/10
Oriol Romeu had a poor first half but was more confident in the second with Wanyama by his side. He was substituted for James Ward-Prowse later on.
Dusan Tadic – 5/10
An average first half saw Dusan Tadic substituted at half time. He kept the ball well but didn’t trouble the Liverpool defence.
Steven Davis– 6/10
A hardworking performance from Steven Davis only paid dividends in the second half. He was continuously pushed back by Liverpool attackers in the first half.
Shane Long – 7/10
Shane Long enjoys games against Liverpool. He was constantly in the Liverpool defenders’ faces and should have had a penalty when Dejan Lovren barged him over. He kept the pressure up on the Liverpool defence allowing Pelle to take advantage.
Graziano Pelle – 7/10
Graziano Pelle was isolated for most of the first half with Liverpool slicing through Southampton’s midfield and defence at will. He came to life in the second half as Southampton regained control in midfield. He won Southampton a penalty and his finish for the equaliser was magnificent.
Substitutes
Victor Wanyama – 7/10
Victor Wanyama came on at half-time and changed the face of the game with his power and pressing. Wanyama shored up the midfield and completely controlled Joe Allen who was making merry in the first half. He was key to the Southampton fightback.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
Sadio Mane missed a penalty but scored twice thereafter to turn the game around. He kept troubling Flanagan and Clyne with his power and pace and extracted fouls and mistakes from the Liverpool defense.
James Ward-Prowse – 4/10
James Ward-Prowse came on late in the game but spent most of his time on the pitch collecting fouls.