PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 4-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Liverpool hosted Ralph Hassenhutl’s Southampton at Anfield this afternoon and romped to a 4-0 win. A brace from Diogo Jota and further strikes by Thiago and Virgil Van Dijk saw the Reds go second, at least temporarily. Read on for player ratings from the game.

Alisson – 9

Called into action early on when he dived at Ward-Prowse’s feet to push the ball away, could have easily given away a penalty but his alertness and speed off his line helped him. Made one on one saves against Broja (twice) and Armstrong as he was called into action repeatedly. Immense in one on ones, almost unbeatable. Earned that clean sheet, his third in the row.

Alexander-Arnold – 8.5

Another assist for the 23 year old after his pinpoint delivery from a corner was swept home emphatically by Van Dijk. There were a few more dangerous deliveries but nothing came off it. Solid display, continued his devastating partnership with Henderson and Salah down the right hand side.

Konaté – 7.5

A few nervy moments for Ibou today, none more so than when he hesitated on a throw and allowed Broja to nip in and steal possession. He was luckily bailed out by Alisson. Made one block on an Armstrong shot that could have been going in. For a man his size, he tends to lose too many headers. There was a huge cheer when he cleared a long ball with a towering header. Still only 22 mind, room for improvement.

Van Dijk – 9

For a 4-0 win, you’d think Virgil and Ali would have nothing much to do. Far from it as Van Dijk had to be alert to bail out his partner at times. Showed his pace, positioning and nous on several occasions to get in the way of danger and clear to safety. Scored his first goal for the club since damaging his ACL last season with a thumping half volley off a corner. Rolls Royce.

Robertson – 9

Started the game like a house on fire. Made a run in behind the Saints defence and got on the end of Mané’s pass to hook it back for Jota to apply the finishing touch. It was almost two assists in the first 15 minutes when his terrific delivery from a free kick was powered home by Mané from a slightly offside position. Put one on a plate for Jota second half but he could only steer over on the stretch. A welcome return to form.

Fabinho – 8.5

Quiet first half hour. Got involved as it wore on. Much more at the fore second half as he won his challenges and passed the ball well. He is very front footed for a defensive midfielder. His range of passing goes under the radar at times. Crucial cog for this team. Made a crunching tackle when they threatened to counter two on one from our set piece.

Henderson – 8.5

Played a lovely pass to Salah in the box for Jota’s second. Whipped in a few dangerous crosses and continued to provide a welcome foil for Salah. He busts a gut every time a long ball is sent Salah’s way. He creates an angle and takes away a man which helps create space for the Egyptian who is double marked at times. Had a really good game in what was his first start since the international break.

Thiago – 8

Started sloppily when his loose pass under pressure saw Ward-Prowse go through on goal. Alisson came to the rescue though. There were a few other hairy moments but he more than made up for it with a lovely skip away from his man after a cross was cleared to him. His subsequent left footed shot was deflected past McCarthy to put daylight between the sides. Was more composed with his passing after that.

Salah – 8.5

There’s danger every time he picks up the ball. Was up against the imposing Salisu today and he enjoyed himself. Put one on a plate for Jota and was unlucky not to score himself. Saw one curler go just wide first half, and saw another one bravely headed over by a defender second half. No goal today but he’s now alone at the top of the assists chart (and the goals chart as well).

Jota – 9

Had a chance to open the scoring a few seconds before he actually did. Two easy tap ins today but he worked his socks off for them. He pulled the Southampton defence all over the place, with Lyanco not knowing whether to stick or twist. This created so much space to play in and his combination with Mané and Salah was just too much for the Saints to deal with. Should have had a hat trick.

Mané – 8.5

He was on it today. You can usually tell with his touch and control. He played a perfectly weighted pass in behind for Robertson for the first goal. Scored with a header after he had won a free kick from Bednarek’s terrible tackle on him. That’s two games in a row now he’s had a tight offside decision go against him. He played well and created a lot of openings. Didn’t shirk his defensive duties either, matching Livramento stride for stride going the other way.

Substitutes

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 8

Came on for Thiago before the hour mark and got involved immediately. Picked up pockets of space in the attacking third and threatened to add to the score. Saw a first time shot from outside the box pushed away by McCarthy. Had another shot charged down. Whipped in a number of crosses too. He’s looking much better now and is a genuine option for Klopp to use.

Milner – 8

As reliable as ever, the 35 year old came on for Henderson and maintained the standards. He won the tackles he had to win in midfield and helped gain a bit more control in what was an open game. Screwed a shot wide from outside the box.

Minamino – 7

On for Jota in the final ten minutes, he got a few touches of the ball. Was involved on the counter and it was his pass that saw Ox go close to scoring. He’s getting a lot more minutes of late, and rightly so.

Jurgen Klopp

The gaffer made 3 changes to the side that defeated Arsenal, with Konaté, Robertson and Henderson coming in for Matip, Tsimikas and Oxlade-Chamberlain respectively. It paid off handsomely as Robertson put in arguably a MOTM performance. Made the changes at the right times too. Back to back 4-0 wins in the league now. Happy days. The small matter of the derby next.