Southampton vs Liverpool Match Report

Southampton vs Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool take a crucial step in the hunt for the top four with a win over high flying Saints and went only 2 points off fourth place.

 

Despite having the lion’s share of possession and attempts on goal, Southampton could not break down the resilient Reds who came out as 2 - 0 winners.

 

Southampton had a penalty claim waved away in the first minute when Filip Djuricic went down easily under a challenge from Emre Can.

 

Soon after Liverpool were ahead. Coutinho received the ball from Markovic and found himself about thirty yards out. However he struck a sweet dipping shot that went in off the underside of the bar for his third league goal of the season and surely with a goal of the season contender.

 

A minute later Southampton had another penalty claim turned down when Joe Allen appeared to trip Djuricic. The ball ended up falling in the box to Eljero Elia but his shot was deflected wide.

 

Liverpool had their own penalty appeal after Philippe Coutinho slipped the ball through to Raheem Sterling. Last man José Fonte appeared to trip the young forward as he went to ground but on a closer look you can see he just got the ball first.

 

There was another controversial moment just before half time where the ball was chipped though to Elia. His chipped shot was saved by Mingolet after the ball hit his chest and then his arm in what appeared to be outside his area. The referee however waved play on.

 

Daniel Sturridge cam on for Adam Lallana and soon made an impact. He skipped past multiple defenders into the box, but stumbled to the ground before getting his shot away.

 

Liverpool doubled their lead after Alberto Moreno ran onto a misplaced Morgan Schneiderlin pass and squared the ball to Raheem Sterling. His pass was over hit however Saints full pack Matthew Targett slipped allowing Sterling a shot which he dispatched into the net.

 

Mingolet was forced into a late save after Moreno bought down Mane for a free kick. It was taken by Tadic but Mingolet held onto the low shot well.

 

Liverpool also had a late attempt through Daniel Sturridge. Can played the ball t Sturridge who feinted past the defender before curling a right footed shot towards the bottom right hand corner. Unfortunately it was too close to the keeper who made a comfortable save.

 

Southampton will be very concerned after failing to score at home for the third game in a row. They slipped into fifth place after the defeat. Liverpool meanwhile made it a fourth win in a row and will be feeling confident ahead of their next game, away at Besiktas for the second leg of their Europa league tie on Thursday.