Liverpool capitalised on Manchester City dropping points as they came from behind to claim all three points at St Mary's against Southampton.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a sweet curled effort that went in off the post, after pressing the Saints’ defence high forcing an error.
Southampton equalised after a controversial penalty decision in the 42nd minute, when Robertson brought down Tyler Dibling on the edge of the box. Adam Armstrong’s effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, put the rebound was converted.
A quick counter-attack by the Saints’ fired them a goal ahead through Mateus Fernandes, in the 52nd minute. Mohamed Salah drew the game level in the 65th minute, after a long ball by midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was prodded past Alex McCarthy.
The affair was settled as Yukinari Sugawara handled the ball in the box, allowing the Egyptian winger to convert from the spot in the 83rd minute.
After tough battle here are the player ratings:
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Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
The Irish international made three saves, including a penalty stop against Adam Armstrong, but apart from a strong stop, he didn’t really have much action throughout the 90 minutes. The first goal conceded was a rebound from a penalty, which Kelleher did almost stop with his inner thigh.
The second goal, the Liverpool stopper couldn’t do anything as Fernandes prodded the Saints’ ahead after a counterattack. Overall a solid game from the Irishman.
Conor Bradley – 6
The right-back was up to his usual tricks, barnstorming runs up the right flank to support the Liverpool attack. However today showed a few defensive frailties, as Tyler Dibling glided past Bradley on more than one occasion.
Attacking wise, he created a handful of chances, including a cross that was parried out by Alex McCarthy, but he didn’t really affect the game.
Ibrahima Konate – 5
The Frenchmen didn’t put on his finest display on the South Coast, he was heavy footed in and around Liverpool’s box, and gave Southampton a few penalty shouts with pushes and shoves. The Centre-back was walking on egg-shells after receiving a booking in the 16th minute.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7
Although the Reds concede twice, the Dutchman was solid, he commanded his back-line and pulled them through an otherwise tough game. As Liverpool were pushing for the final two goals, he stepped into midfield often to facilitate the tempo of the game.
Another highlight was his trademark long diagonal passes that opened up an otherwise defensive Saints side.
Andrew Robertson – 5
The Scotsman gave away a controversial penalty, which saw Southampton equalise in the 42nd minute, but apart from that Robertson had an average game. The left-back delivered some good set-pieces that almost led to a goal through Gravenberch, but overall his performance didn’t show us anything special.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
The standout star of the season so far certainly had his say on the result. The Dutchman controlled the tempo of the game through his driving runs and facilitative passing. A perfectly weighted long-ball provided an assist for Mo Salah also.
Defensively, the Dutchman was good, but Tyler Dibling provided a tough challenge that Gravenberch dealt with, the 18 year-old only getting the better of him twice.
Curtis Jones – 6
Despite a bright start to the season, today was a poor performance from Curtis Jones. His press resistance wasn’t on show today and sloppy passes allowed Southampton to get back into the game. He was hooked in the 62nd minute.
Cody Gakpo – 7
The winger looked sharp following the international break. He carried the ball with intent, firing off a number of strong shots that called on goalkeeper McCarthy, as he cut in from the left.
His directness really helped push the Southampton right-side back and helped the Reds’ get control over the game. He was replaced by Luis Diaz in the 62nd minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
The Hungarian was the pressing monster that Arne Slot needed as Southampton built from the back constantly, this was one of the reasons Liverpool got their first goal.
Szoboszlai dispatched his finish brilliantly, and his overall game was on-point today, he carried the ball with intent and his decision making was some of the best we’ve seen this season.
Mohamed Salah – 10
The Egyptian was yet again, the star of the show for Slot’s men. Salah scored two today, but he could’ve easily had a hat-trick, as he bailed out Liverpool.
The Winger burst to life after Liverpool went 2-1 down in the 56th minute, showing his experience he grabbed the game by the neck with a high intensity and clinical finishes. Salah also crossed the ball that won the penalty he converted. A very good showing.
Darwin Nunez – 4
The Uruguayan had a poor game on the South Coast, his pressing was the best part of his game, but attacking wise he had very little to show.
His best moment was a powerful run, where he squared the ball to Diaz across the 6-yard box, but the Colombian couldn’t convert.
Substitutes
The Argentinian entered the game in the 62nd minute, and it was just what Liverpool needed. He added an extra level of control, even narrowly firing wide from range.
Luis Diaz – 7
Despite missing a chance that was put on a plate for him seconds after he came on, Diaz added another dynamic attacking threat. He carried the ball well and the Colombians physicality helped him sustain attacks.
Wataru Endo – N/A
Entering the game in the 90th minute, he didn’t play enough to affect the game, but a strong cameo winning big challenges late into the game from the Japanese captain.
