Southampton, AVENGED

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I thought I’d write a follow up to ‘Avenging Southampton’ – something I wrote yesterday.

We as fans are rarely impressed by an opposition, we tend to fault our own before we give credit to those that find a way to beat us. Southampton were that team, for this season anyway. Their display at Anfield had fans tense, nervous, worried that they could scupper whatever plan Rodgers had for this Liverpool side at a time when Liverpool’s position to capitalize on mistakes by others was once again at it’s most paramount of importance.

It started nervy, Southampton looking extremely comfortable in their own skin and Liverpool looking like they were to be in for a long afternoon. Midfielder runners were causing Liverpool to look out of shape in defensive areas, but all afternoon it turned out that Liverpool were able to soak up whatever came at them, something that will stand them in good stead for the run in.

Liverpool were looking scary on the counter and as the ball fell to the feet of Luis Suarez a familiar feeling returned as he swept it first time past a helpless Boruc. If that wasn’t a sign that Liverpool had a good chance of winning this game then a save from Simon Mignolet in the second half from close range was. The reflexes are exactly what we bought him for, stepping up in those vital moments to produce game turning events. It was though the movement of Suarez that continued to give the Southampton defense countless headaches and problems, a ball from Stevie and a pull back for the fresh legged Raheem saw Liverpool take a comfortable two goal lead.

A special mention to Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson for their relentless work rates, up and down all game and although the passing was sloppy in the first half at times their closing down along with Coutinho was invaluable. Raheem Sterling replaced Coutinho who seemed to be tiring when Rodgers made the change, Sterling prevented Jack Cork and Morgan Schneiderlin the control they had before and allowed Liverpool to kill the game from that point onwards.

Gerrard’s positioning, leadership and distribution from deep was great, time and time again you saw him rally his younger soliders ahead of him and give confidence to those who had his back. Another mazy Suarez run gave Gerrard the chance to seal it from the spot and did he, a man with the confidence of Gerrard was only ever going to stick it as much in the top right hand corner as it possible.

Brendan Rodgers had got it spot on, once again learning from a previous encounter and executing the game plan to perfection, the travelling Kop were quick to let him know of their delight.

At one point Simon Mignolet came for a cross and connected, it was really a day when Liverpool once again avenged a previous foe this season.

Just what can this Liverpool side achieve? Tweet me @DoctorBenjy or let me know in the comments!

YNWA

Ben Carr @DoctorBenjy