Time to reflect, what a precious 3 points against our top 4 rival. Thought we looked out of sorts at the back in the first half, mainly because of Lovren's terrible positioning and Markovic's complete lack of defensive capabilities at left back. Credit to BR, brought Moreno on who is better , Lovren sorted his calamities out, brought on Studge for Lallana who was anonymous and saw the game through. Allen improved as the game went on and started protecting the back three better too. We weren't at our best again, but, apart from a few anxious defensive moments at our own doing, we restricted Southampton and should have scored another one. Great win and we're rolling now. My humble ratings:
Migs - Looked solid again and saved our ass a couple of times. Another excellent performance . 8/10
Lovren - Shocking in first half, better in second, he better start performing or we get rid in summer. 5/10
Skrtl - Superb. Had a few sus moments in first because of Lovren's ineptitude, but bossed the back. Lost count of headers won. MOTM. 8/10
Can - Not his usual commanding self, but settled I later on and quietlygot on with it. 7/10
Markovic - Left back is clearly not for him. Looked exposed too oftn. 6/10
Ibe - Another superb performance, and even defended well when he needed to. 8/10
Hendo - Another unspectacular but quietly efficient game. Needs to bollock his players more if he wants to grow into a proper captain. 7/10
Allen - Another one who had a quiet start but grew into the game. Still prefer Lucas as soon as he's back. 7/10
Lallana - Completely anonymous. We normally have sharp, quick passing in mid but not today because he wasn't there. 5/10
Couts - Unbelievable goal, pure magic. He was ok apart from that. Needed Lallana to be switched on hence he looked isolated. 7/10
Sterling - Some have criticised him, but he still scared the sh*t out of defenders, and another goal to his name. 7/10
Moreno - Looked more comfortable than Markovic and did well to push up, creating width, especially for the goal. 7/10
Studge - Looked sharp, and caused havoc a couple of times. It's ok to be selfish, but needs better decision making with his final ball. 6/10
Johnson - Quietly did his defensive duties and got up to speed quickly. No mistakes. 7/10
Unbeaten in 10 PL games, with 7 victories, still in FA cup,4th position hunt and EL. What a turnaround.
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