Southampton vs Liverpool: A tactical and statistical analysis of Saints’ win

Direct approach worries Liverpool’s makeshift backline

Saints struggled to play through the lines and build dangerous attacks through the centre of the pitch in their draws with Fulham and West Ham – both London clubs loaded central areas with three central-midfielders to ensure that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could not exploit those areas.

Against Liverpool, a more direct style was used. Instead of trying to play through their opponents – who are an intense, pressing team themselves – measured balls were played over the visiting defence.

In the early stages, Theo Walcott and Danny Ings chased anything played in behind the two midfielders playing at centre-back in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. 22.5% of Saints’ completed passes throughout the 90 (84 of 374) were classed as “long” by whoscored.com.

On a couple of occasions it nearly paid off too. Nathan Tella went close to adding a second goal but curled just wide after Henderson had wandered out of position, and Yan Valery had an effort cleared off the line late on.