Southampton 1-0 Liverpool: Player Ratings as lifeless Reds performance throws title race wide open | Premier League 2020-21

Liverpool Player Ratings

Liverpool struggled against Southampton

Alisson Becker - 5/10

Alisson could not do much about Liverpool's opening goal and watched the ball sail over his head and into the back of the net. The Brazilian shot-stopper nearly conceded another towards the end of the game after a horrendous decision, however, and will not be particularly proud of the result.

Jordan Henderson - 5.5/10

Jordan Henderson slotted in as a centre-back to ease Liverpool's injury burdens today but never looked comfortable in Jurgen Klopp's makeshift defensive pairing. The Liverpool captain was often guilty of giving Southampton far too much space but made up for it with his energy and drive.

Fabinho - 6/10

Fabinho has pulled off a few excellent performances in central defence for Liverpool this season but was given a tough time by Southampton's forward line today. The Brazilian defender was one of his side's better players but was unable to inspire his team to a clean sheet.

Andrew Robertson - 6/10

Andrew Robertson was involved in an intense battle with his compatriot Stuart Armstrong and encountered several obstacles on the left flank. The Scotsman did manage a few crosses but was unable to link up with his attacking teammates.

Thiago conceded as many fouls in the opening two minutes (2) as the entire Southampton side conceded in the first half against Liverpool.One of them was very costly. 😬 pic.twitter.com/dm2ItwQTcb

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 4, 2021

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 3/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold was partially at fault for the opening goal and failed to clear Stuart Armstrong's free-kick. The English full-back offered next to nothing in the final third and gave the ball away a shocking number of times against Southampton.

Thiago Alcantara - 5/10

Thiago Alcantara was surprisingly ineffective against Southampton's press and was unable to control the game for Liverpool. The Spaniard gave the ball away in the build-up to Southampton's goal and has plenty of work to do to return to his best this season.

Georginio Wijnaldum - 5/10

Georginio Wiijnaldum was given the proverbial box-to-box role by Jurgen Klopp today and failed to repay his manager's faith against Southampton. The Liverpool midfielder was predictable with his passing and was unable to create concrete chances for his side.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 4/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was virtually anonymous against Southampton in the first half and struggled to make an impact on the game. The midfielder was replaced at the hour-mark and needs to take it up a notch at Liverpool.

Jamie Carragher can’t believe what Liverpool did in the final moments of Southampton defeathttps://t.co/NZy90e2ZrL

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) January 4, 2021

Roberto Firmino - 5/10

Roberto Firmino often serves as the ideal foil for Liverpool's creative set-up in the final third but was unable to scythe through a stubborn Southampton defence. The Brazilian forward did have a few shots in the second half but his lack of accuracy denied him a crucial goal.

Sadio Mane - 6/10

Sadio Mane was arguably the only Liverpool player on the pitch who was intent on taking something away from this game. The Senegalese winger was his side's chief threat and came close to scoring for Liverpool on several occasions.

Mohamed Salah - 4.5/10

Mohamed Salah struggled to get into the game against Southampton and was largely a peripheral figure as the two teams fought for the ball in the middle of the park. The Egyptian winger was presented with a few chances in the penalty area but was often crowded out by a host of Southampton defenders.

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Substitutes

Liverpool failed to trouble Southampton

Xherdan Shaqiri - 6/10

Xherdan Shaqiri replaced the ineffective Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the second half and momentarily added some creative impetus to his side. The Swiss midfielder faced a disciplined Southampton press, however, and was unable to power his side to a positive result.

James Milner - 6/10

James Milner replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold towards the end of the game and was unable to make much of an impact on the game.

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