Southampton vs Liverpool

As half term is now underway, I can finally take some focus off of A-Levels and onto the blog. I've had numerous occasions throughout the term of annoyance at not being able to do more write ups but I'm happy that I've finally got some time. First match back and it's a massive one for the top 4 race as Southampton face Liverpool at home.

Southampton is a fair way away from Liverpool, but with the amount of ex-Southampton players in the Liverpool side, this could almost count as a home fixture for the away team. Despite Liverpool's slightly shaky form over recent weeks, little negative can be said about their overall form in the league this season with an attack to be feared, it'll certainly be a big test for Southampton to keep them out. For Southampton, after beating relegation candidates West Brom 3-2 previously, they come into the game with confidence and it'll be an interesting matchup to see who comes out on top.

After a shaky start from Southampton, with just under 6 minutes on the clock, it gets worse as Liverpool break from a Southampton corner through no one else but Mohammed Salah and after receiving a ball down the line from Oxlade-Chamberlain, plays a cutback to Firmino who sweeps the ball home with ease into McCarthy's near post, claiming his 20th goal of the season. Huge question marks however over Hoedt who completely misses the ball to allow Salah to latch onto it. 1-0 within a matter of moments and it could be a long 90 minutes for Southampton if they don't pick up soon.

In credit to the Saints however, they've come back with a strong response as around 10 minutes later, the Saints' Spaniard midfielder Oriel Romeu picks the ball up and flights a perfectly weighted ball over Andrew Robertson's head to Hojberg out on the right. He controls it superbly on the chest however is denied from close range by a seemingly rejuvenated Karius who rushes rapidly off his line to block. Encouraging from Southampton but will they make their period of pressure count?

They almost do as James Ward-Prowse is involved twice. Firstly putting in a lovely ball into the new record signing Carillo only for him to head under pressure straight at Karius. Secondly getting on the end of a cross this time, as Tasic's ball in from the left finds an unmarked Englishman at the back post but Ward-Prowse's header is well saved by Karius. Praise for Southampton who've responded very positively to their poor start.

Southampton would have to make the most of their pressure but they weren't able to and Liverpool punished them. When Matip fizzed the ball into Salah, alarm bells were ringing and the latter played a delightful one-two with a delightfully weighted Firmino flick through the heart of the Southampton defence and in true Salah fashion, slipped it cooly beyond the keeper. After all of Southampton's hard work, that's surely a killer blow for the home side, but once again, Salah and Firmino combine to split open yet another Premier League defence, with Firmino this time returning the favour to Salah.

The halftime whistle blows shortly after and in reality, neither team have truly taken the game by the scruff of the neck. Overall a very even game so far, however it's Liverpool who have been the more clinical of the two teams despite arguably having less opportunities. Will Southampton come out rejuvenated and grab a goal back to make it interesting? Or will Liverpool extend their lead and truly kill the game off?

Well after quite an uneventful start and mild Liverpool pressure, Southampton got the first real chance of the half. When Tadic was fouled by Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side of the penalty box, it was up to James Ward-Prowse to deliver. He did and it was a dangerously fizzed ball in towards the near post and Wesley Hoedt was the thankful recipient after ghosting infront of Firmino, however his touch wasn't quite deft enough and he poked it wide. First attack of the half for Southampton and it's the closest either have come so far.

With 70 minutes on the clock, Liverpool get their first really good opportunity of the half as after a poor pass which falls straight to Mane's feet, the latter proceeds to go on a dangerous run, playing it infield to Firmino whose strike in the box is saved by the Saints keeper. The ball then rebounds to Salah's feet which is surprisingly put wide by the Egyptian, however McCarthy did seemingly have it covered. Decent opportunity for Liverpool to wrap up the game and it'll be an interesting last 20 to see how the game unfolds.

Liverpool then get another half chance as the ball is switched by Firmino from right to left and finds Mane after a lovely dummy from Wijnaldum fools the defender. Mane however seemingly off balance, hits his left footed shot wide. Will Liverpool pay for their missed chances?

And with 5 minutes left, Liverpool could've fully finished off Southampton after a lovely one-two between Lallana and Salah resulted in the Englishman shooting just wide of the far post from 10 yards out. Another good move from Liverpool with Salah at the heart of it.

From then on, it was pretty substandard with both teams effectively accepting the result. The game finishes with Liverpool running out 2-0 winners, however both could've easily scored more. Southampton lacked the cutting edge in the second half as it was Liverpool who stepped it up more in the second half. Overall a good day at the office for Liverpool but Southampton, being met with boos at both half and full-time, will have to improve for their next game.

MOTM: Mohammed Salah

While Virgil Van Dijk deserves some recognition, it was a very tight call between Salah and Firmino however the Egyptian's more regular and efficient involvement in the game has made me sway towards him. Both getting a goal and assist for each other, they were the two players who seemed most on it on the day. Whenever Salah got on the ball, there was always a sense of urgency and a feeling of expectation that something would happen. A good all round performance from Salah and a deserved Man of the Match.