The 2014-2015 Premier League season has begun and Liverpool earned a 2-1 victory over Southampton. Both teams provided a moderately entertaining game at Anfield, which showcased that they are both strong teams.
Throughout the first half, Liverpool seemed to be in control of the game and they ended up leading 1-0 at at the conclusion of the first half. Southampton was starting to find its rhythm towards the end of the first half and this managed to carry on to the second half. Liverpool then started to give the opposition a lot of space to create plays, and Southampton capitalized on that. Overall, it was a sublime performance by the Reds that gave them the 3 points. Here are the player ratings for the Liverpool players:
GK, Simon Mignolet: 7/10
Had a couple of great saves and deflections that helped Liverpool secure the win. Notably, his save against Schneiderlin in the 88′ minute helped Liverpool keep the lead.
DEF, Glen Johnson: 4.5/10
Played better in the first half by helping up and down the wing, but then started to make a few mistakes in the second half. He was also not able to cross effectively or get a good shot on target.
DEF, Dejan Lovren: 5/10
Was initially booed by Southampton supporters, but did not play an overly impressive match. Managed to hold his position, except when Tadic created the build up for Southampton’s goal.
DEF, Javier Manquillo: 5/10
Had an average performance for being in his debut with the squad. Did not have much of an impact, but was decent.
DEF, Martin Skrtel: 4.5/10
Did well to clear the ball and hold his position, but didn’t anticipate Clyne’s run in for the goal.
MID, Raheem Sterling: 8.5/10
Had great game whizzing by some defenders and even scored from a great assist from Henderson. Additionally, he provided Daniel Sturridge with an assist to help finalize Liverpool’s win.
MID, Jordan Henderson: 8/10
Played exceptionally by putting constant pressure on Southampton players and providing a beautiful assist to Raheem Sterling.
MID, Lucas Leiva: 4/10
Did not really have an impact on the game and only stayed at his position ineffectively. He was eventually replaced by Joe Allen in the 63′ minute.
MID, Steven Gerrard: 5.5/10
He did not have a great match, as he was playing in a more defensive position. Attempted to make a difference with long passes but not much came out of it.
ATT, Philppe Coutinho: 4.5/10
Was not able to make anything special with the defenders shutting him down immediately. He needed open space to work efficiently but did not get any.
ATT, Daniel Sturridge: 7/10
Had some chances to score throughout the game and finally did in the 78′ minute. He wasn’t a threatening presence in the keeper’s box.
Substitutes:
MID, Joe Allen: 5/10
Did not really make a difference in the game as a substitute and looked decent after replacing Lucas Leiva.
ATT, Rickie Lambert: 5/10
Replaced Coutinho but didn’t make a significant contribution to the game.
