Soccer

Nunez shines against Southampton as Reds climb Premier League

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Liverpool earned all three factors with an assured 3-1 victory over Southampton within the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Roberto Firmino bought the hosts off to the right begin as he guided his header previous Gavin Bazunu within the sixth minute, however Che Adams’ response noticed the Saints degree the scoring shortly in related vogue.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)

Parity was restored for simply 12 minutes as Darwin Nunez mixed with Harvey Elliott to complete properly after a well-timed run in direction of the back-post within the twenty first minute, and the Uruguay star secured his brace earlier than the break when getting on the tip of a cross from Andy Robertson.

Alisson remained on alert all through the sport and was wanted within the second half as the guests got here shut by efforts from Mohamed Elyounoussi and Adams, serving to the Reds to carry on to much-needed momentum as the break for the World Cup now commences.

Positives

Liverpool put within the efficiency they wanted within the final recreation earlier than the break for the World Cup, and that can have left Jurgen Klopp’s facet with a degree of confidence within the second half of the season — with the squad nonetheless to be bolstered by the returns of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Negatives

A purpose conceded from a set-piece shall be one thing that Liverpool look to work on throughout the mid-season break, and so they additionally had been caught out defensively on a few events by good play from Southampton — with Alisson required within the second half.

Manager ranking (out of 10)

Pep Lijnders, 8 — It was as much as Liverpool’s assistant supervisor to take the lead as Jurgen Klopp served his one-game suspension, and Pep Lijnders’ facet produced considered one of their finest performances of the season within the first-half. A possible glimpse into the way forward for the post-Klopp period.

Player scores (1-10; 10 = finest, gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

GK Alisson, 8 — Alisson needed to be alert with not too many possibilities conceded by Liverpool, and he produced two robust saves in fast succession simply after the hour-mark to take care of the two-goal lead. Another robust cease denied Che Adams from securing his brace.

DF Andy Robertson, 8 — Two assists on the day for Andy Robertson, who was again to his finest in an attacking position at left-back. Liverpool had been in a position to create lots when the 28-year-old had possession in promising areas.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — The Netherlands worldwide could not react shortly sufficient as Che Adams discovered house to move within the equaliser, although van Dijk was assured for the remainder of the sport.

DF Joe Gomez, 6 — A cushty efficiency from Joe Gomez who was again within the beginning line up by Ibrahima Konate’s absence, and he picked up the place he left off with a strong defensive show the place he made himself the favorite in duels.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 — Alexander-Arnold impressed on each ends of the pitch on the day, and he confirmed a level of persistence along with his decision-making that noticed him efficient in his position. A properly picked-out move for Darwin Nunez was unfortunate to not result in an help.

MF Fabinho, 7 — The 29-year-old broke up play when referred to as upon and transitioned the ball shortly to Liverpool’s extra superior gamers.

MF Thiago, 7 — Thiago did not look to get a move mistaken as he performed play from the midfield, and he was in a position to swap it shortly to assist assaults develop whereas displaying composure beneath strain.

MF Harvey Elliott, 8 — An beautiful help from Harvey Elliott helped get Liverpool again into the lead by Darwin Nunez, with a efficiency that can make him troublesome to drop from Jurgen Klopp’s midfield after the break for the World Cup.

FW Darwin Nunez, 9 — Southampton did not appear to have a solution for Darwin Nunez on the day, who impressed along with his all-around recreation when drifting in from the left-flank. The Uruguay worldwide scored twice in a recreation the place he checked out his most comfy within the Premier League since arriving in the summertime.

FW Roberto Firmino, 8 — Firmino’s correct header bought Liverpool off and operating in an general efficiency that noticed him in a position to hyperlink play impressively in attacking areas. He commonly dropped into house and was in a position to thread passes by into the vast channels.

FW Mohamed Salah, 7 — Unlucky to not get on the scoresheet with Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu getting the higher of him within the first half, however the ahead did stay concerned in loads of Liverpool’s finest items of play with sharp motion within the attacking third.

Substitutes

James Milner, 6 — A 600th Premier League look for Milner.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, N/R — Introduced for Firmino within the closing quarter-hour.

Kostas Tsimikas, N/R — Provided a recent choice at left-back for Andy Robertson who labored onerous all through the sport.

Fabio Carvalho, N/R Bright on the left-flank in his quick cameo earlier than the tip of the sport.

Nat Phillips, N/R Introduced within the closing minutes as Pep Lijnders deployed a back-five to see out the sport.

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