Liverpool 4-0 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Moments

Long Plays Defender and Not in a Good Way

In opting to go two up front at the home of the European champions and soon to be Premier League winners, Hasenhüttl was braver than most. For a time the manager’s bravery paid off, as both strikers took up good positions in the final third. Shane Long chased the balls over the top, while Danny Ings worked hard to give his former associates a few problems along the way.

One such headache occurred as Roberto Firmino  attempted to keep the ball in play, but in so doing whacked it backwards and straight into the path of Ings. The marksman weaved his way into space before firing on goal.

Unfortunately, for the number nine his Irish colleague was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ball hit the international and made the subsequent save easier.

Ings could only smile about his misfortune, but a big chance went begging.

Long who has just one goal this season, had a frustrating afternoon. The build-up play was good, the work rate was ever present, but his luck wasn’t in and neither was his final decision-making.

During the second half the front man had an open goal to aim at after Allison was caught short. Given the difficult angle an attempt probably would have flashed across the face of goal, but then again it may have found the net.

Rather than take the chance, Long simply opted to hold possession and wait for reinforcements. By then the Merseysiders were back in numbers and the threat had been snuffed out.