Liverpool got another dramatic win to return to the top of the Premier League table on Friday as late goals from Mohamed Salah – his first in nearly two months – and Jordan Henderson led Jurgen Klopp’s side to a 3-1 victory over Southampton.
The Reds looked in danger of dropping points at a crucial juncture in the title race when they fell behind early in the game, only for Naby Keita’s equaliser to steady the ship. From there, though it was a difficult game, Liverpool took control and got the much-needed win.
Here’s a look at how the players rated.
STARTING XI
Alisson 6 – Could do little for Southampton’s goal and had little to do afterwards. When called upon his handling and reading of the game was assured.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – The outcry over the refereeing for Liverpool’s opener will persist, but once the ball was allowed to get to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back did what he does best: it was a perfect cross for the Reds’ equaliser.
Joel Matip 6 – Questions will be asked over his defending for Southampton’s opener – though that’s true of his centre-back partner as well – and endured a nervy first half. But resorted to current form after the break.
Virgil van Dijk 6 – Had a surprisingly shaky first half on his return to St. Mary’s – perhaps the boos from his former home fans were getting to him. But he rose to the occasion to organise Liverpool’s defence after the break.
Andrew Robertson 5 – A poor game from the Liverpool left-back’s standards. Mishit his crosses on a few occasions when his typical delivery would have created gilt-edged chances.
Georginio Wijnaldum 5 – A little below his usual level of this season, especially early in the game when Liverpool were being overrun in midfield. It wasn’t a surprise when he was taken off when the Reds were searching for a winner.
Fabinho 5 – 17 misplaced passes from Liverpool’s midfield maestro, an unexpectedly below-par display from the man Liverpool trust to keep them in control in midfield.
Naby Keita 7 – This could be the breakthrough game Keita was waiting for. It was a well-taken header for Liverpool’s equaliser, his first goal for the club. Hopefully from here he kicks on and finds consistency.
Mohamed Salah 7 – It was looking like being another frustrating night from Liverpool’s talisman. His part in the opener will not be forgotten – he should have been called offside – but when it mattered, Salah stood up. A superbly-taken goal to give his side three precious points.
Roberto Firmino 7 – His movement, as usual, made him a thorn in the side of Southampton’s defence throughout. Firmino deserves some credit for Salah’s goal for the way his run opened up space for his team-mate.
Sadio Mane 6 – For so long he’s been bailing Liverpool out while Salah struggled. On Friday it was the other way around, as Mane huffed and puffed without having much impact against his former side. But Salah repaid the favour from the last few months.
SUBSTITUTIONS
James Milner 6 – The drop-off in set-piece delivery between Alexander-Arnold’s and Milner’s after the veteran replaced the youngster was alarming, but he made up for it by adding solidity in defence.
Jordan Henderson 8 – Substitutions don’t get much better than this. Come on with the scores level, end the game with a goal and an assist in a win. A real captain’s performance.
Dejan Lovren N/A – Came on in the aftermath of Liverpool’s third goal and had little to do in the time remaining.
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