Liverpool have just saved themselves from embarrassment after defeating Southampton 3-1.
Having entered the game with the opportunity to move 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League, no one would have expected basement club Southampton to take the lead at Anfield.
Will Smallbone’s first-half goal, however, would only spur Liverpool into action after a poor first 45 minutes – with the Reds replying with three goals of their own in the second half.
In what was a pretty mixed afternoon for Arne Slot’s side, there are a number of Liverpool performances to hone in on, in RTK’s player ratings.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Alisson – 6
After his heroic display midweek, Alisson showed he was human against Southampton, with the Brazilian at fault for Will Smallbone’s goal.
Speaking on Southampton’s opener, Tim Sherwood said: “Sloppy, complacency. If they’re playing against Arsenal, I think van Dijk kicks that one out. I think Alisson has to be braver, has to come out with his hands. He was brilliant in midweek – that counts for nothing now,” via the Premier League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Trent didn’t have to do much from a defensive standpoint, but he was very bright going forward against the Saints.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Southampton’s lack of cutting edge meant it was a pretty quiet afternoon for the Frenchman.
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Virgil van Dijk – 6
Alongside Alisson, Van Dijk also proved he was human against Southampton, with the Dutchman also at fault for Smallbone’s goal.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5
Having been handed an opportunity by Slot, Tsimikas failed to step up to the plate and would be hooked at half-time for Andy Robertson.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Like many of the Liverpool eleven, Gravenberch massively improved in the second half – dictating the tempo after the Reds took the lead.
Curtis Jones – 6
Jones failed to really stamp his authority on the game and would be replaced by Alexis Mac Allister at half-time.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Failed to provide any noteworthy impact. The Hungarian looked slightly leggy and would be substituted at half-time alongside Jones.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Mohamed Salah – 7
It wasn’t a standout game by any means for Salah, but he still stepped up to the plate when needed, calmly converting both his penalties for Liverpool.
Darwin Nunez – 7
The Uruguayan was very poor in the first half, nearly getting himself sent off. He would however provide the goods after half-time, scoring the equaliser and winning the penalty for Salah’s goal. Upon being substituted, Nunez would receive a standing ovation from the Liverpool support.
Luis Diaz – 7
After a lacklustre first 45 minutes, Diaz would spring into life in the second half, providing the assist for Nunez’s equaliser. He would then win the second penalty of the afternoon after some tireless running.
Subs:
Andy Robertson – 6
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Harvey Elliot – 6
Diogo Jota – 6
Wataru Endo – 5
Jarell Quansah – 5