Who was your Man of the Match…?
GK) Simon Mignolet – 8
In very difficult, wet conditions, Mignolet didn’t put a foot wrong. He made one crucial save in the first-half from close range, and held fizzing shots from range. Chose when to punch and catch from crosses perfectly, too.
DRC) Dejan Lovren – 6
Booed every time he touched the ball, the ex-Saint was visibly nervous in possession, and his passing was poor. However, he actually made some good defensive interceptions, and his positioning was decent.
DLC) Emre Can – 6
Improved as the game went on, but looked a little lost at times in the first-half, playing on the left of the back-three to accommodate Mamadou Sakho’s absence. Is still probably craving a runout in central midfield.
DC) Martin Skrtel – 8
Another quietly efficient defensive showing from the Slovakian powerhouse. Dealt with Graziano Pelle excellently, and has played a vital role in our past five away Premier League fixtures. We haven’t conceded a goal in any of them.
MR) Jordon Ibe – 7
A really bright start from the teenage sensation. Ibe was our best player in the first-half, but was guilty of trying to do too much on his own in the second-half, and was subbed for Glen Johnson. Still, another very promising display. We really have found a gem.
ML) Lazar Markovic – 5
Was given a torrid time by the bombarding Nathaniel Clyne in the first, and looked like an attacker playing in defence – which is essentially what he was today. Booked, and subbed at half-time for the defensively better Alberto Moreno.
MC) Joe Allen – 7
Irritated the Southampton midfielders by harrying, and intercepting passes around our penalty area. Passed the ball simply as ever, and worked very hard. Allen deserves a pat on the back for today’s showing.
MC) Jordan Henderson – 7
Like his midfield partner Allen, Henderson worked incredibly hard, and was especially impressive at clearing Southampton’s balls into the box. Henderson definitely put the Balotelli penalty-drama behind him this afternoon, with a brave, captain’s display.
AMRC) Adam Lallana – 5
Didn’t happen for him on his return to his old club. He was (probably unfairly) booed consistently, and his repeated attempts to run with the ball or play intricate through-balls failed.
AMLC) Coutinho – 8
Coutinho today bagged our best individual goal of the season, the classiest moment in the game by some distance. The Brazilian has clearly been working on his shooting – and blasted in from 30-yards during the first five minutes of the game. From then on – he was easily our most exciting attacking threat. Coutinho’s had a quiet few matches, but today he reminded us why he’s won the Liverpool Player of the Month award on three occasions this term.
FC) Raheem Sterling – 6
Goal aside, Sterling had one of those days, today. His decision making was poor, his touch was off – and his passing was completely off. The best players though manage to pop up in the right places and score goals, regardless of the kind of afternoon they’re enjoying, and Sterling did just that at St. Mary’s.
SUBS:
Daniel Sturridge – 6 – A few good moments, but Sturridge’s shooting wasn’t on song, or he’d likely have bagged during his cameo.
Alberto Moreno – 6 – Better than Markovic, the man he replaced, and got forward well in the buildup to Sterling’s goal.
Glen Johnson – 6 – Helped us close out the game down the right.
