Liverpool Player Ratings vs Southampton: 8/10 for Alisson, Mane; Six or more for everyone

Liverpool player ratings as they picked up a 2-0 victory over Southampton courtesy of goals from Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara on Saturday night.

It was an even start to the game at Anfield, with both Liverpool and Southampton getting forward a fair bit. In fact, the Saints could have opened the scoring in the 29th minute but Alisson did well to keep out Che Adams before Sadio Mane found the back of the net at the other end to put the hosts in front, heading home a cross from Mohamed Salah.

Southampton could have equalised right before half-time though but Nathan Tella headed straight at Alisson from close-range. Post the interval, Diogo Jota had a chance to double Liverpool’s lead, but fired his shot straight at Fraser Forster in the Saints goal. At the other end, Alisson almost gave away a goal, with a poor pass falling to Adams but the Brazilian was able to stop the Saints’ forward from scoring.

Thiago Alcantara added the second late in the game to round off a much-needed win for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are now sixth in the table, six points off of Leicester City in fourth, with a game in hand. Here are our player ratings for the Liverpool stars against Southampton.

Alisson Becker: 8/10

Made a brilliant save to deny Che Adams in the first half with the game still at 0-0 before stopping Nathan Redmond, soon after which Mane scored. Was alert throughout, came out of his line to collect crosses and long balls effectively. Almost cost his team with a poor pass that fell straight to Adams but was able to deny the striker. A solid performance, overall, barring that one moment.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7/10

Got forward with intent and delivered some dangerous crosses into the box especially in the first period. Defensively, was made to work hard by Southampton who did carry a threat for most of the game but was able to deal with everything that came his way without getting caught out. Finished with five key passes.

Nathaniel Phillips: 7/10

Back on the field after missing a couple of games due to injury, the Liverpool centre-back was a solid presence in the backline. Dealt well with the dual threat of Tella and Adams and was unbeatable in the air, as he won a game-high seven aerial duels, while also going close to scoring in the first half. Used the ball fairly well too.

Rhys Williams: 6/10

Thrust into the lineup in place of the injured Ozan Kabak, the 20-year-old had a few nervy moments and was, at times, caught out by passes from the deep. Improved with time though, playing his part in helping Liverpool to a clean sheet with two tackles and two clearances. Kept it simple when on the ball.

Andrew Robertson: 6.5/10

Had his moments going forward while keeping things tight at the back up against Theo Walcott. Involved in the move for the opening goal and ended with one key pass. Energetic as always.

Thiago Alcantara: 7/10

A rough start up against a Southampton midfield that did not hold back. Had some nice moments on the ball as he tried to keep his side on the front foot but needed to do a bit more off the ball. Sealed the victory with a fine finish late in the game.

Fabinho: 7/10

Solid as ever in the middle of the park, the Brazilian was always in the right position to cut out any potential threat from the visitors. Made two interceptions – a game-high as well as four tackles, the most by any Liverpool player. Sharp with his use of the ball as always and tried to start attacks with his distribution.

Georginio Wijnaldum: 6/10

Energetic as usual but wasn’t always able to make the desired impact. Did head the ball against the woodwork in the first period but the Southampton midfielders were able to get past him quite easily at times. A middling display from the Dutchman.

Mohamed Salah: 7/10

Forced a couple of saves from Fraser Forster in the first half before setting Mane up for the opening goal with a peach of a cross. Continued to be lively on the flank for the rest of the game, completing two key passes.

Diogo Jota: 6/10

Given the nod ahead of Roberto Firmino, the Portuguese worked hard at the top in the first line of press for Liverpool but wasn’t able to pose a major goal-threat apart from a couple of shots that were straight at Forster.

Sadio Mane: 8/10

Going up against his former club, the Senegalese speedster made a sharpish start to the game, and had a shot go over before scoring the all-important opening goal with a good header after a good run. Worked hard and tried to make things happen, completing four dribbles and three key passes. Still not quite at his best but a step in the right direction for Mane.

SUBSTITUTES

Roberto Firmino: N/A

On for Jota with a little over ten minutes left. Got the assist for the second goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: N/A

Replaced Salah in the 87th minute.

Curtis Jones: N/A

Stoppage time substitute for Mane.