OPINION
Liverpool hosted Southampton at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in their sixth Premier League outing of the season and would have been thrilled to win 3-0.
The Reds stormed out of the blocks and went 2-0 ahead in the first half thanks to an own goal from the Saints’ Wesley Hoedt and an excellent header from defender Joel Matip.
Mo Salah then netted just before the half time whistle to put Liverpool 3-0 in front going into the second half, which would be his third goal of the season.
Live 4 Liverpool has awarded each Reds player a score out of 10 for their display against the Saints:
Alisson Becker, 7 – Did not really have much work to do in this clash, as Southampton’s attacking play was few and far between – but still assured in between the sticks nonetheless.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 – Provided an excellent cross in the first half that allowed Matip to head home with ease. This youngster just gets better and better – it is hard to forget he is only 19-years-old.
Virgil van Dijk, 8 – Had a solid day like always. Assured in the centre of defence, even without the familiar presence of Joe Gomez beside him. Went off in second half due to injury.
Joel Matip, 8 – Scored an absolute belter of a header – the £70,000-a-week [Spotrac] player connected well with a cross from Alexander-Arnold to head Liverpool 2-0 in front in 22nd minute. Definitely proved people wrong, especially those who doubted his place in first team ahead of Joe Gomez – absolutely dazzled.
Andy Robertson, 6 – Contributed positively to Liverpool’s attacking play. Popped up a few times along the flank and made some decent crosses, but they unfortunately did not amount to anything. Threatened more in the second half.
Jordan Henderson, 6 – Was calm and assured in the middle of the park, and ran proceedings against his poor Southampton counterparts.
Xherdan Shaqiri, 7 – Dazzled on his first Premier League start, and would have been disppointed that his effort was deemed as an own goal to put the Reds 1-0 up. Was very effective in his attacking play and continued to chip away at the Saints with his technical ability.
Georginio Wijnaldum, 6 – Was very quiet throughout the match – you would have hardly knew he was on the pitch until he came off for Keita in the second half. However, he obviously did his job well alongside Henderson if you look at the result.
Mohamed Salah, 9 – Looked sprightly in the first half by creating some decent chances for the Reds, and was unfortunate enough not to see one of his efforts converted. Was caught offside when played through by Shaqiri – he has certainly silenced his critics with this display. Netted just before half time to put Liverpool 3-0 up. Denied by the offside flag towards the end of the game. Man of the match.
Sadio Mane, 8 – Was his usual attacking self, and combined with the other two in the front three brilliantly to cause chaos in the Southampton defence. Had a decent chance just before half time.
Roberto Firmino, 8 – Was involved in one of Liverpool’s first phases of attacking play. Went extremely close but was unlucky that nothing came of it. Caused Southampton all sorts of problems combined with Mo Salah. Also had some good link up play with Shaqiri to really cause their opponents some damage by getting in behind their back four. Really caused them a nuisance.
Substitutes
James Milner (for Shaqiri), 7 – Made a positive impact when coming on at half time. Was his usual hardworking self – and covered the back line excellently.
Joe Gomez (for Van Dijk), 6 – Did his job in a confident manner. Made a few vital clearances from Southampton, but otherwise did not have too much to do when he came on.
Naby Keita (for Wijnaldum), 6 – Was his usual energetic self in the second half, and he certainly livened up the midfield with his fresh legs.
