Liverpool player ratings and scores – Southampton 2-3 Liverpool: Salah saves Liverpool from St. Mary’s scare…

Liverpool player ratings against Southampton: ‘exquisite 8/10’ contrasted with 4/10 ‘all over the place’ and multiple 5/10s.

Liverpool’s player evaluations following their 3-2 victory over Southampton.

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points, but not without a scare as they secured a 3-2 win against the league’s bottom team at St Mary’s.

The Reds were not at their best and had to rally from behind to overcome their opponents. Mo Salah scored twice, while Dominik Szoboszlai netted the opener, taking advantage of Manchester City’s surprising 4-0 defeat to Tottenham and increasing their lead in the standings.

The match began with high intensity, and Salah had the first shot on goal for Liverpool, which was saved in the sixth minute. As the game progressed, both Salah and Szoboszlai had attempts thwarted by Southampton’s goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy. However, a significant mistake by McCarthy in the 30th minute allowed Liverpool to take the lead when he carelessly rolled the ball out, leading to a turnover in their box. Szoboszlai seized the opportunity and scored into the far corner.

Southampton responded effectively, and in the 40th minute, they capitalized on Liverpool’s errors. Virgil van Dijk’s casual play resulted in a lost ball, and Andy Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling. The referee awarded a penalty, and although Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher saved Adam Armstrong’s initial shot, Armstrong was quick to convert the rebound, leveling the score.

The Reds’ lack of focus persisted after halftime, allowing Southampton to take the lead in the 56th minute. The Saints executed a rapid counterattack, and Matheus Fernandes displayed composure to finish past Kelleher.

Liverpool found themselves in a challenging position and needed to respond quickly to avoid a significant defeat. They managed to equalize just nine minutes later, thanks to Ryan Gravenberch’s precise through ball that set up Salah, who skillfully finished past the advancing McCarthy.

The Reds took control of the game, actively seeking a winning goal. In the 81st minute, they were presented with a prime opportunity when Yukinari Sugawara committed a handball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the visitors. Salah took the responsibility and, despite McCarthy diving in the right direction, the Egyptian’s shot found the net.

This goal proved decisive for Liverpool, although Salah nearly completed a hat-trick when he struck the post from close range with just two minutes left in regular time. As a result, the Reds now hold a significant lead over Manchester City in the title race, setting the stage for their upcoming clash at Anfield next week. Below is the assessment of the Liverpool players.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 6

Made a notable save from Downes in the first half and was unfortunate to concede from the rebound after stopping Armstrong’s penalty. Had little chance with the second goal and was otherwise not tested.

Conor Bradley – 5

Received an early booking but offered an attacking option in the first half. However, he needed to communicate more effectively with Konate during Southampton’s second goal, as both players were drawn towards the ball.

Ibrahima Konate – 4

Struggled significantly in the first half. He avoided a penalty call after a clash with Adam Armstrong but was booked for a foul on Paul Onuachu and gave the ball away carelessly shortly before the penalty incident. Showed slight improvement after halftime but was still not as composed as in previous matches this season.

Virgil van Dijk – 5

Had a solid first half until he made a careless error that led to Southampton’s penalty.

Andy Robertson – 5

In the first half, he delivered several risky crosses but made a mistake that resulted in a significant opportunity for Southampton. He had little choice but to bring down Dibling, which was understandable. He performed adequately after halftime but was caught out of position late in the game, nearly costing the team.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7

He maintained the flow of play in the first half and endured a tough challenge from Adam Lallana. In the second half, he was proactive, driving towards the Southampton defense to set up a shot for Nunez, and his exquisite pass contributed to Salah’s equalizer.

Curtis Jones – 6

He pressured Southampton into a mistake that led to the opening goal and was efficient with his passing before being substituted in the 62nd minute.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

He displayed significant energy in the first half and scored a well-taken goal. He could have defended better when he was outmaneuvered by Dibling leading to Southampton’s second goal, but he continued to work hard in the second half.

Mo Salah – 8

He had a few good opportunities that he failed to convert and did not challenge the Southampton defense sufficiently in the first half. He was relatively quiet in the second half until he executed a brilliant finish to equalize. His dangerous cross resulted in Sugawara’s handball, leading to a penalty, which he calmly converted. He nearly completed a hat-trick, hitting the post in the 88th minute.

Darwin Nunez – 5

He was largely isolated in the first half, managing only 13 touches. He became more involved after the break, having a shot blocked, but he missed an opportunity for an assist when he passed to Diaz. He was substituted in the final moments.

Cody Gakpo – 7

He was very active in the first half, creating problems for Southampton. He continued to pressure the hosts in the second half before receiving a yellow card and was unexpectedly substituted.

Sub 1 – Alexis Mac Allister (replaced Jones) – 6

He attempted a long-range shot that went just over and brought additional composure to the midfield.

Sub 2 – Luis Diaz (replaced Gakpo) – 6

He had a chance to score just moments after entering the game and later had a header that was well saved from a corner.