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Liverpool continued his impressive form in the title race on Saturday afternoon with a 4-0 win over Southampton at Anfield.
The Reds got off to a perfect start with a goal in the opening two minutes, as the clever construction game enters. Sadio Mane and Andy robertson was completed by Diogo Jota. Southampton sought to respond, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side playing higher up the pitch, and although they were left open to the counterattack, Armando Broja wasted a good chance under the pressure of Ibrahima Konate.
Visitors were soon forced to pay for not capitalizing on mistakes. Jordan Henderson’s precise ball allowed Mo Salah to cut Jota’s brace before Thiago’s effort moments later were deflected. Alex mccarthy for the third from Liverpool.
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A double change from the Saints at half-time suggested there was a plan to get back into the game, but any hope of doing so was quickly banished when Virgil van Dijk found time to fly in from the corner of Trent Alexander-Arnold just seven minutes after the restart. Jota could have scored his hat-trick thanks to Robertson’s precise cross on the left side, but Southampton’s deflated response allowed the Anfield crowd to relax as Liverpool went through the remaining minutes game-like coaching.
Good points
Liverpool have been clinical in their brightest moments and have punished Southampton for not making the most of their chances. The Saints were unable to cope with Jurgen Klopp’s side attack on Saturday afternoon.
Negative
Moments of complacency arose after the opening goal with mistakes conceding promising chances, which a better team could have taken.
Manager ratings out of 10
8 – Jurgen Klopp’s squad selection ensured control in the middle of the park while allowing the top three to flourish. The Liverpool manager also responded well to Southampton’s adjustments throughout the game to ensure a comfortable performance.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 8 – It could have been a different game without Alisson who was called upon at two crucial points in the first half. Solid save denied to Broja before Brazil goalkeeper was subsequently denied Adam armstrong to maintain Liverpool’s three-goal cushion.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 – Yet another decisive pass for the right-back, whose corner kick in the second half was picked up by Virgil van Dijk.
DF Ibrahima Konate, 7 – The 22-year-old put a lot of pressure on Broja, who was knocked off balance when he released his shot from inside the box, to keep the clean sheet clean. An assured service.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 years old – The Netherlands The star looked serene throughout the 90 minutes on defense. He will be delighted to return to scorer form, his second-half goal being his first goal for the club since September 2020.
DF Andy Robertson, 8 years old – Overall, a bright performance. The Scotland captain looked sharp as he continued to get back in shape, and he ended the day with an assist to get Liverpool started.
MF Fabinho, 8 – Southampton struggled to play in midfield and that was largely down to Fabinho’s influence. The Brazilian reacted quickly to stray bullets and did not seek to lose a single duel.
MF Thiago, 7 – A second goal in the space of a week for Thiago, who is starting to regain his best form of the season. Despite a few passes that failed to find their target, the Spain the international was still looking to move the ball gradually to launch attacks for the top three.
MF Jordan henderson, 7 – The captain was instrumental in Liverpool’s second goal and Henderson displayed his composure as the crowd urged him to shoot, choosing instead to pick Salah, who helped Jota to finish easily.
FW Sadio Mane, 8 – Southampton struggled to recover Sadio Mane who appeared to have acres of space on the counterattacks, although he was not found by his teammates delivering the last ball. The liaison play with Robertson on the left turned out to be a steady route to goal in what was a flawless performance.
FW Diogo Jota, 8 years old – Jota could have scored three goals in the first half as he continued to find space in Southampton’s box throughout the game. He had one last chance for his hat trick in the second half but couldn’t finish Robertson’s cross.
FW Mohamed salah, 8 – It’s rare that we see the Egyptian striker finish a scoreless game, but his overall play still played a big part in Liverpool’s victory that day. Salah’s move created space for his teammates, while Southampton’s players couldn’t get near him when they were on the ball.
Substitutes
MF Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 6 (Thiago, 59 “) – The 28-year-old is in great shape and kept Liverpool’s energy going in the middle of the park, although he could have done better with his effort which went straight to the goalkeeper.
MF James milner, 6 (Henderson, 67 “) – Took the captain’s armband as he replaced Jordan Henderson and eased Liverpool for the rest of the game.
FW Takumi minamino, N / R (Jota, 81 “) – On to the last minutes of the match for Diogo Jota.
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