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Liverpool
Loris Karius – 8/10
The German put in a considerable shift at the back although he was a mere passenger in the second-half. Karius pulled off some encouraging stops before the break, twice denying James Ward-Prowse and a glancing header from Carrillo. He also showed great vigilance in reading Hojbjerg’s effort after Romeu laid an inviting cross early on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
The 19-year old was in his groove and timely burst forward to support in the attack. The only time he was beaten was when Carrillo beat Alexander-Arnold for a tame header at the stroke of half hour.
Joel Matip – 6/10
Matip appeared out of sorts a bit during the first half and lacked communication with his partner Van Dijk, although he started the move for the second goal with a clever pass. The German was booked for a rash tackle on Dusan Tadic, but perked up a bit in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
On his return to the St Mary's, Van Dijk proved to be a commanding presence at the back as Liverpool registered their first clean-sheet with the Dutchman in the team. Carrillo was too feeble to ruffle his feathers as Van Dijk comfortably won his duels and played some good passes from the back.
Andy Robertson – 6.5/10
The left wing-back came a cropper at times as he was picked out by a back pass early on while his passes looked laboured. The only plus point from him was his never-ending energy and hard work.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
The Dutchman failed to find an away goal in his 50th attempt and was guilty of blasting his effort into the stands when some composure could’ve helped in his noble quest. But regardless, the former Newscastle United midfielder did well to maintain the flow of counters.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5/10
The ‘Ox’ laid a pass to Salah in the build-up to the opener and in what was his only meaningful contribution in the attack. He was, however, actively involved in the proceedings and never switched off.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
An uncharacteristically profligate showing from the Senegalese forward as he missed some really good chances despite good positioning. Mane, for all his efforts, just couldn’t aim his effort on target.
Mohamed Salah – 8.5/10
Another game, another goal, and another assist from the twinkle-toed Egyptian who shows no signs of sputtering out. Salah was just as brilliant in teeing up with Firmino as he was while dispatching the latter’s clever back-pass. He did, however, miss a chance or two in the second half which could’ve stretched Liverpool’s lead.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
A pair of a goal and an assist each for the Brazilian too, who’s genuine moment of artistry was sliding the ball behind with his backheel that was perfectly weighted for Salah to latch on to. Fizzled out in the second-half when it’s comes to being clinical, but nevertheless helped conjure up some chances.
Substitutes
James Milner – 7/10
Milner brought panache to the midfield as Liverpool ensured they don’t cede dominance in the match. He was fortunate not to be carded for a seemingly rash challenge on Tadic in the second-half.
Adam Lallana – 6.5/10
Another former Southampton player involved, Lallana missed a glorious chance to make it three when he lashed a shot just wide off the mark.
Dejan Lovren – N/A
The Serb was brought on in injury time as a formality of a third substitution.
