Liverpool v Southampton – Zonal Marking

Liverpool got the business done in the final Premier League game before the break for World Cup, by beating Southampton 3-1 at Anfield in emphatic fashion. Here, we’ll rate the performance of the defence, goalkeeper, midfield and attack.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Alisson Becker returned to the first team squad after midweek’s breather against Derby County. Once the defence was in the clutch, he stepped up and made incredible saves. Confident and immaculate.

In the past, the iconic manager, Bill Shankly famously heaped praise on the Reds best ever shot-stopper Ray Clemence by saying: “Ray has everything. He’s quick, he doesn’t wanna be beaten. He’s just a great goalkeeper”. Jürgen Klopp might have similar feelings towards the Brazilian after Saints game.

Joe Gomez was the only defender, who kept his place in the lineup from the side that defeated Derby on Wednesday. He got the nod in the wake of unavailability of Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip.

He had a decent display, was calm on the ball and restrained from mistakes. He partnered Virgil van Dijk. The Duch mainstay had a mixed afternoon. Slow-off-the-mark against Che Adams, who reaped the freedom in the opposition’s penalty-box and punished the Reds by a fantastic header. Alisson with no chances of saving that. With minutes gone by, van Dijk grew into the game, and made a seven interceptions.

Elsewhere, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold kick-started as full backs. The Scot was involved in two goals and took his tally to four assists in the Premier League now.

Incredible throughout the pitch, held off Elounoussi and Bella-Kotchap successfully. Up front, he synced with Nunez. Quick one-two between them left the Saints’ players lost.

His counterpart on the right-hand side, had a decent display. Positioned himself better in comparison to the previous meetings and benefited from it. Put together a pretty decent display in the back and posed a threat going forward.

Score: 4

Midfield

Klopp designated Harvey Elliot, Fabinho and Thiago in the midfield. According to Whoscored,com Liverpool players make the most of their performance in the 4-3-3 formation, in which the average seasonal rating for the squad is the highest, compared to other tested formations (4-4-2, 4-1-2-1-2, 4-2-3-1).

Throughout the 90 minutes, the Reds were dominating the middle of the park. Having spent the midweek encounter against the League One outfit on the sidelines, Fabinho got back in contention for the Saints and stepped up. He ended the clash with four successful tackles to his name.

Elliot found his feet in the team again. Energetic and lively up front. He syncs with other outfield players better and better each game. He remembered to go back and help Alexander-Arnold in the defence.

The last component in this area of the field was Thiago. While healthy, he’s the most standout midfield player. When he’s at it, you can get the best of both worlds from his magic first touch – a delight for the eye and effective bypassing of his rival.

The second half brought changes. James Milner, Fabio Carvalho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went on the pitch. The 36-year-old Milner made his 600th Premier League appearance.

Rate: 5

Attack

Darwin Núñez, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah got nod from the first minute. No sooner the referee started the game, than Roberto Firmino’s inch-perfect header opened the scoring. It was six minutes on the clock when Bazunu fell by the wayside for the first time.

The Brazilian experiences a revival of his form this season. So far, he’s notched up seven goals and three key passes in all 13 appearances in the Premier League. There are ongoing talks regarding his contract extention, which is due to expire in the summer next year.

At no point in the campaign, was it fair to compare Núñez to Haaland. We’re constantly seeing the growth of Liverpool’s number 27. His physical presence is outstanding alongside his technical skills. During the game, you get the feeling the Uruguayan loves everything that comes with volley-like technique. Half-volley passes, volley fires… Núñez contributed to the victory over Southampton with a brace under his belt.

Mohamed Salah had rather a calm afternoon, wasn’t spectacular but still heavy involved in the encounter.

Rate: 4

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