Five talking points: Liverpool v Southampton

Matchweek 10 and Liverpool have now drawn 8 of their last 9 games in all competitions. Under the new Klopp era, Liverpool is still looking for its first win as Christian Benteke’s terrific header in the 77th minute was cancelled out by Sadio Mane’s 86th minute goal today. There were positives for Liverpool again but the end product remained “too much effort with lack of quality”. Here are five talking points from the game.

5. Best players

The match was evenly poised and both teams had a fair amount of chances. Van Djik and Fonte were strong at the back for Southampton. Both the defenders threatened Liverpool during set pieces. Tadic was lethal with his crosses but from the flanks, he failed to turn the ball into the back of the net. Liverpool started with a high tempo to their game but their game really started clicking after Benteke’s introduction during half-time. Lallana is improving game by game and this was clearly evident in today’s game. However, he was replaced with Firmino at the end, who also had a few good spells.

4. Worst players

Origi and Coutinho were not able to click together well in the first half. They did a lot of running but no quality football could be seen. Pelle was clearly underpowered today & even Wanyama had an average game. Sadio Mane did worked hard & helped the Saints equalize, but was shown a red after a second continuous clumsy foul. He played well but that unnecessary tackle could cost Southampton the next game.

3. Match facts

Liverpool have now drawn 8 of their last 9 games. This includes three straight draws under Klopp. Sadio Mane saw 2 yellow cards today and will miss the next game. Milner is also suspended for the next game after seeing his 5th yellow of the season.  Southampton still remain undefeated on away soil this season.

2. Liverpool’s weakness

Liverpool made just one change from their Europa League game against Rubin Kazan, and that was Lucas in for Allen. They played the same 4-2-3-1 formation as in all their previous three games. Klopp is still trying to figure out his best starting XI. Liverpool had majority of the possession with 59% against Southampton’s 41%. Liverpool had only two shots on target, and this shows that they still lack quality & cutting edge with Sturridge struggling for match fitness. Klopp will have to adjust with the given set of players currently available. Set pieces still seem to be Liverpool’s weakness, although they’re defending much better than before. Southampton players are very strong in the air and physically on the field too. They were better organized defensively than the Reds.

1. Upcoming fixtures

Liverpool have Chelsea up next and may enter the game as favourites to win since Chelsea are currently facing their own troubles with another major defeat against West Ham on Saturday. The good thing is that Benteke and Firmino are back with Sturridge a possible feature in the next game too. Klopp could finally utilize the much-awaited Benteke & Sturridge duo in attack. The Saints will be facing a relatively easier fixture against Bournemouth at home next match-week. Koeman would be satisfied with his team’s performance today and will look to win all the three points in the next fixture.