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Liverpool vs Southampton (2-0) Match Summary: Alisson’s heroics save Liverpool

Team News

Both the centre backs who Liverpool signed in January were injured. [player 5640817], in particular, was a major absence given his positive impact since his arrival. [player 4545525] came into partner [player 1494396] in the back four. From last match’s 4-2-3-1, Klopp shifted back to the usual 4-3-3. Jota was preferred to Firmino to join Salah and Mane in the front three.

Southampton made two changes to the side that drew against Leicester. [player 1241] replaced [player 1131] in goal, and the other change saw [player 53] coming for [player 52671]. In form, Tella started in what looked like an attacking lineup.

First-Half

[team 8] started the game slowly and didn’t look comfortable. [team 65], who play a similar style to Liverpool, were enjoying a front-foot start. Their pressing was working well, and Liverpool were struggling to play out. [coach 455353]’s side had the higher share of possession, but it wasn’t dangerous as most of the passes were sideways and backwards.

However, that energetic start didn’t last too long, and the home side were now looking the more convincing team. Liverpool started to play more progressive passes to penetrate Southampton’s backline. Also, their efficiency in winning second balls was getting better. Both the full-backs began to get forward and deliver balls into the box. The new partnership at the back was also looking comfortable in and out of possession. [player 1917] did put some effective early crosses and [player 1078] was combining well with Mane on the other side.

Liverpool’s pressure paid off soon when [player 1389] headed the ball goalwards. It was a delightful in-swinging cross by [player 4125], and the header was enough to put the reds in front.

Liverpool’s recent theme has been of creating multiple chances but not doing enough to convert them. Similar stuff was happening again as Liverpool found themselves in good situations, but the ruthlessness was missing. Salah could have doubled the lead a few minutes later but was crowded out.

[coach 524297] side’s threat on the counter was obvious. Not only because of the pace Southampton had but also due to the lack of experience and pace between the two Liverpool defenders. [player 96099] was doing well to read the game and stop attacks at source. Still, Southampton were looking dangerous once the possession got turned over.

[player 1494225] was involved in a lot of positive situations for his side and should have done better when he headed straight into Alisson.

Second-Half

Liverpool started the second half with better intensity, but Southampton were also looking better. Not only were they looking comfortable while defending, but the saints were creating some reasonably good chances.

[player 129820] was tremendous in the Liverpool goal as he came up with some excellent saves. [player 581055] had a great chance to equalise but couldn’t beat the Brazilian.

Liverpool kept creating and were not clinical enough to kill the game off. Something that has repeatedly happened this season. Most recently, in the last two [league 8] games and against [team 3468] in the [league 2] quarter-final second leg.

Against [team 71] and [team 20], they led by a goal, and in both games, they conceded late goals to drop crucial points. There was a sense of nervousness around the Liverpool bench and among the players. Klopp replaced [player 159917] with [player 1461] to add more energy as well as calmness in possession.

Southampton did come close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but Alisson’s performance on the night was incredible.

Liverpool finally scored their second and in some style when [player 31857] sealed their win in the last few minutes. He picked up the ball in the left channel, got it back on his right foot, and the finish was exquisite. This time, Liverpool did enough to see the game out.

Why was this win important for Liverpool?

[team 42]’s defeat was a big reason why Liverpool had to win this game. Leicester’s remaining league fixtures are against [team 14], [team 18] and [team 6]. Also, they have the [league 24] final in a few days.

With a schedule like this, [coach 896460]’s side could drop some points given their poor form. Liverpool will have to win every single game so that they may benefit from Leicester’s potential drop off.

With Leicester’s defeat earlier, Liverpool had the chance to close the gap to the fourth position and they did it in a comprehensive manner.

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