PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 3-1 SOUTHAMPTON

Liverpool earned their eighth win in the last ten games by beating Southampton at Anfield this afternoon. A Firmino opener was cancelled out by Che Adams before a Darwin Nunez brace sealed the points ahead of the World Cup break. Here are player ratings from the encounter.

Alisson – 9

Rushed out for Ward-Prowse’s free kick and was caught in no man’s land as Adams headed home. Second half he was a wall in goal. Stopped three sure goals with outstanding saves. The last one from Adams’ glanced header was unbelievable. What a keeper!

Alexander-Arnold – 8

Played well. Was his usual expressive self on the ball and defended strongly one on one, especially second half. Swiped at a half volley first half when he perhaps had more time.

Gomez – 7.5

First half I thought he was excellent. Dealt well with everything the Saints threw at him. Swept up well and picked his passes mindfully. Second half he came under more pressure. Slotted in at right back towards the end.

Van Dijk – 8

First half he just cruised through, with the Saints avoiding him like a plague. Second half they threw caution to the wind and the big man had more to do. He showed he’s still got that pace, beating Armstrong in a foot race before halting a two on one counter all by himself. Was on hand to clear danger in the box. Powerful header to nod the ball back to Alisson late on when Adams looked set to head home. Should have scored at the other end.

Robertson – 9

Created so many chances today. Set up the first goal with a peach of a delivery from a free kick. Bombed down the wing and set up a number of opportunities, with Darwin sliding one home for his second of the day. Tired late on and was kept honest by Walcott. Given a breather with five minutes left. He’s equalled Leighton Baines’ assist record in 190 fewer matches.

Fabinho – 7

Was better with his passing today. Showed composure to take a touch where necessary before finding a teammate. Still looked alarmingly slow and unable to stick a foot in when the visitors threw men forward second half.

Elliott – 7.5

Stupendous pass to find Darwin at the backpost to put Liverpool back infront. That settled him down after a tough start. Grafted after that. Thought he struggled a bit with his defensive work when Southampton threw bodies forward second half. Went off for Millie.

Thiago – 8.5

First half he ran the show. He really put on a passing clinic, with his body swerves dizzying Ward-Prowse and co. Halted a counter with a big tackle to cheers from the crowd first half. A bit more quiet as the game grew on.

Salah – 6.5

Not quite his day. Ball bobbled off him a bit and his passing wasn’t as crisp. He kept going though and gave Salisu no moment’s peace. Unlucky not to score late on when his curler was deflected behind by Lyanco. Should have tucked home Darwin’s cross early on, and Trent’s deep cross which found him unmarked in the box.

Firmino – 8

Great header to open the scoring. Worked his socks off and knitted play together well. Drifted all over the pitch and was assured in possession. So intelligent with where he popped up on the pitch. Pulled left a lot second half to give Robbo someone to link up with. Lovely through ball to the left back for Darwin’s second.

Darwin – 9.5

Looked up for it from the first whistle. Burst down the left wing and put one on a plate for Salah. Took his first goal well as he tucked home with a controlled left footed volley past Bazunu. He set up Bobby with a cheeky backheel but the keeper made the save. Stabbed home his second from Robertson’s cutback. He’s another who drifted all over the pitch and linked up well with teammates. MOTM.

Substitutes

Milner – 8

The veteran was incredible when he came on. Put in a tackle in the right back area when needed, won a free kick where necessary and joined the attack to good effect. Rolled back the years today on what was his 600th Premier League appearance. Exceptional career.

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6

Played the Bobby role when he came on. Showed some lovely touches and passes.

Phillips – N/A

Good to see him get Premier League minutes.

Tsimikas – N/A

Won a corner with his very first touch.

Carvalho – N/A

Tricky feet.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer went with his strongest available team, with Konaté and Henderson’s unavailability denying him more options. He sat in the stands as he served his suspension and watched his men control the first half and go in at the break 3-1 up despite the Saints finding a quick equaliser.

The second half was more a case of seeing it out, and seeing it out they did, with Alisson producing some huge saves to deny Southampton. The Reds climb up to 6th. Not bad considering the woeful start to the campaign. All to do after the break.