Anfield Watch
·24. November 2024
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·24. November 2024
Liverpool managed to drag themselves to a 3-2 win over bottom-placed Southampton despite being 2-1 down in the second half. They now sit 8 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Here are our full-time player ratings:
The penalty save was Kelleher's real game highlight, and despite Southampton scoring twice the Irish international didn't have too much to do. In what might be his last start before Alisson's return, Kelleher isn't at fault for the scoreline. Stopping a rebound is usually always too much to ask, and a stop from a close-range Flynn Downes effort in the first-half was a real moment.
The youngster made a couple of mistakes in the first half - including yellow card for a late tackle on the 12th minute - but built into the game slowly. He got in behind on occasion but mainly added to the side through aggressive pressing in Southampton's half.
The entire team sured up as the second half went on, with Konate being most noticable. An 86th minute challenge looked for a minute to be another penalty but was judged fair. He made an uncharacteristic amount of mistakes in the first half and was booked on the 15th minute for an unnecessary foul.
The captain let his team down in the first-half with a lazy pass lead directly to Andy Robertson giving away the penalty that made it 1-1. Elsewhere he was his standard self, however, commanding in the air and progressing the ball in build-up.
Robertson added well to the attacking phases yet a poorly mistimed a challenge gave Southampton their first half penalty. He was also found out of position a couple of times for further unconverted Southampton chances.
Particularly in the second half Ryan Gravenberch stepped up to shove Liverpool towards a win. He took out Southampton's entire back line with a wonderful long ball which goalkeeper Alex McCarthy misjudged so Salah could equalise. He was also a nightmare for Saints to deal with as they looked to save the game.
Jones struggled to start the game, losing the ball a couple of times as Southampton aggressively pressed. He did however press Southampton's poor build up play very well, leading to Liverpool's opener. He was understandably substituted on the 61st minute.
The Hungarian was a welcome presence throughout the game, energetic and lively in phases Liverpool looked lacklustre. He took his goal well, finishing inside the far post as Southampton were at sixes and sevens at the back, but was too weak in his challenge that led directly to Southampton going 2-1 up.
Even when Mo Salah isn't that good, he's somehow still great. Liverpool's talisman was wasteful at points today, missing multiple first half chances, and yet he dragged the team to this necessary victory through constant probing runs and knowing exactly where the goal is when needed. Alex McCarthy misjudging the ball allowed Salah to poke it home for 2-2, and then he dispatched a penalty with amazing conviction to hand the Reds the win.
Nuñez wasn't particularly in the game in the first half, but his work in the second helped Liverpool to this victory. He could have had an assist had he and Luis Diaz been on the same page with a square ball that just needed to be tapped into an empty net. Still, he is a frustrating player, and better centre-forward play is needed.
The Dutchman was one of the brighter sparks when Liverpool looked lost in attack, and his 61st minute subtitution felt unfair. He constantly probed in attack, putting in crosses that asked questions and taking shots when necessary, all created by his strong dribbling.