Player Ratings: Liverpool 3–0 Southampton

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet – 6

Was a bystander for much of the game and his only moment of action was a dodgy step-over.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7

Gave width to Liverpool’s attacks and almost scored but did give the ball away at times.

Dejan Lovren – 7

Made some crucial blocks – one especially to deny Boufal in the second-half – and dealt confidently with what he had to.

Ragnar Klavan – 7

Was the leader of the Liverpool backline and impressed with his composure and diligence.

Alberto Moreno – 7

Was disciplined in attack but did have an opportunity to score – credit for playing and staying at the team hotel after his wife gave birth in the early hours.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 8

Was instrumental in the midfield, often going under the radar – carried the ball well and provided an assist.

Jordan Henderson – 6

Was quite quiet and whenever he received the ball tended to slow it down – not one of his best performances.

Philippe Coutinho – 8

Scored, assisted, and produced many deft touches – was integral to Liverpool’s attacking play from the deeper position that he is relishing.

Sadio Mane – 7

Had plenty of energy but not quite as much composure and aptitude on the ball as his fellow attackers.

Roberto Firmino – 7

The figurehead of Liverpool’s attack pressed well and was denied twice by Forster.

Mohamed Salah – 9

Following on from his double against West Ham, he sent Liverpool on their way with another – a display that encapsulated his work ethic, technique, and link-up play whilst also becoming the Premier League’s top scorer.

Southampton

Fraser Forster – 6

Was kept busy by Liverpool’s attackers, had one fumble that almost gifted Liverpool a goal but hardly at fault for the three that went in.

Cedric Soares – 5

Was required to stay back and help defensively with the threat of Mane and Coutinho.

Virgil van Dijk – 5

Didn’t demonstrate the qualities that Liverpool want in their central defence.

Wesley Hoedt – 4

Was guilty of presenting Salah with too much time – was sent virtually off the pitch with a magnificent Mane dummy.

Ryan Bertrand – 5

Struck a free-kick narrowly wide of the post in what was Southampton’s best opportunity.

Oriol Romeu – 5

Didn’t see much of the ball apart from in the opening exchanges – Liverpool dominated the midfield and Romeu could do little to stop it.

Steven Davis – 5

Was out-muscled by Wijnaldum and struggled to impose himself in midfield.

Dusan Tadic – 4

Picked up an injury in the opening minute and never really recovered – appeared slow and lethargic.

Sofiane Boufal – 6

Was probably Southampton’s most attack-minded player by having a couple of touches inside the Liverpool penalty area.

Nathan Redmond – 5

Didn’t have much success on the left-side, however, he did win possession from Alexander-Arnold once or twice.

Shane Long – 5

Barely touched the ball in the first-half – ran and ran in the second-half but to no avail.

Oliver Miller

FoL's Matchday Correspondent @oliver_miller

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