Southampton 1-2 Liverpool: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways

Saints defensive issues continue

Southampton’s propensity to self-destruct reared its ugly head again against Liverpool. Until they cut out the individual defensive errors, Saints are going to find this season painful as their frailties continue to be exposed. Although credit is due to Mane for the cool and collected fashion in which he took his goal, the second goal by Firmino was down to lazy defending from Bednarek and Yoshida.

The Polish centre back has been one of the most consistent players under the Hasenhuttl regime but he should not be immune from criticism. A seemingly innocuous throw-in then became a serious problem due to some careless interplay between Bednarek and his Japanese colleague.

Given the enterprising way Southampton played throughout the game, they will disappointed not to have got a point against a sluggish Liverpool side but Hasenhuttl will need to reiterate to his troops that defensive errors will continue to cost matches. Although there was an obvious improvement compared to the abject performance at Burnley, things will need to improve if Saints are to better their position last year.

The space between the three centre backs was alarming at times and Saints were fortunate not be punished by Firmino and Salah in the second half. On balance, Yoshida did produce a hard working performance and looked more assured than Stephens last week but it seems likely that new signing Kevin Danso will be an imminent addition to the starting eleven.

The big question is whether Saints should revert to four at the back, freeing up a player for the midfield (more on that later). Bednarek seems unlikely to lose his spot, even in spite of his error against the Reds but it would be a gamble to insert 20 year old Danso into the starting eleven alongside him.