Liverpool 4-0 Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings
By Erik Franzo
Southampton provided an exciting first half, but succumbed to a world class Liverpool side in a 4-0 defeat at Anfield.
The Saints came out of the gate with a high press and positive mentality. They caused Liverpool plenty of problems, but were left unrewarded at the half. Outside of a Van Djik back heel attempt at goal, it was Southampton who tested the opposing goalkeeper. Moussa Djenepo and Shane Long had clean looks on target and Nathan Redmond flashed his chance wide. Danny Ings nearly put the Saints ahead at the end of a winding run, but was denied by the foot of his striking partner Long.
It is difficult not to question referee Kevin Friend after the contest. A penalty shout against Danny Ings, a back pass from Andy Robertson direct to his goalkeeper, and a plethora of unpunished Liverpool fouls will haunt Saints fans. However, Southampton need to take the blame for not capitalising on their opportunities as a single goal would have made a huge difference in a high tempo game.
The 0-4 scoreline is not reflective of this result. The back line led by Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek was excellent and the front four continues to cause problems for their opponents. There were moments where the Southampton resolve was tested and they largely rose to the challenge. However, when the second Liverpool goal went in, the team certainly let down their guard. Ralph Hasenhuttl decided to pull his strikers, hopefully to rest them for Wednesday night and conceded the loss to an unbeaten Premier League side.
Here are the player ratings for the Saints in their match versus Li