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Southampton 1-2 Liverpool: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: James Milner of Liverpool and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: James Milner of Liverpool and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles for possession with Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles for possession with Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Brought back Maya Yoshida in place of the maligned Jack Stephens and started a defensive side leaving Danny Ings on the bench.  Team was setup for success and outplayed Liverpool for extended portions of the first half.  The Saints were undone by two mistakes, but Ralph made some impactful substitutions, most notably Moussa Djenepo’s debut at left wing-back.

Angus Gunn, Goalkeeper – 6.5

Wasn’t tested in the first half, but Mane beat him on a strike no one would save.  Salah was allowed to run free early in the second half, Gunn stood the test, and was busy from there on out.  The save on Andy Robertson was absolute class, and he did a solid job making saves to keep his team in the game.

Ryan Bertrand, Left Wing-Back – 5

Looks very willing to get forward, but just a single cross in the first half.  Almost got caught sleeping as Oxlade-Chamberlain snuck into the box behind him.  Did not contribute significantly to this game before being removed for Djenepo’s debut.

Jannik Vestergaard, Left Centre-Back – 7.5

A matchup against Mo Salah was worrying, but Vestergaard showed up, limiting the Egyptian to next to nothing in the match.  That alone deserves a positive rating, and following the mistake in week 1, Saints fans have to be happy about this.

Maya Yoshida, Centre-Back – 7.5

A welcome return to the most experienced Saints’ centre-back. Nearly scored on the second corner, if not for an amazing reaction save by Adrian.  Needs to be the centre of the back 3 for the foreseeable future.

Jan Bednarek, Right Centre-Back  – 3.5

Rough first half, over-stepping to press and allowing the ball behind.  Looked a step behind and did not force Mane back outside when everyone knew he was cutting in to shoot.  Did make a huge tackle on a Salah through ball early in the second half.  Then held the Egyptian striker onside for a breakaway attempt just moments later.  Lazily gave the ball away leading to Firmino’s goal.  Not a good day for the Polish centre-back.

Yan Valery, Right Wing-Back – 7.5

How about being 20 years old and having to deal with Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson?  Then having the confidence to attack for 94 minutes.  Two of his crosses nearly resulted in goals.  The first forced Maltip to strike it on frame, and the second should have been the equaliser via Danny Ings.  This kid is good.