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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Liverpool player ratings - Mohamed Salah decisive but Fabinho not convincing against Southampton

Liverpool are back on the top of the Premier League after a 3-1 victory at Southampton.

The Reds moved two points ahead of Man City with just five games to go after goals from Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson at St Mary's.

Jurgen Klopp's men had to battle back from 1-0 down after Shane Long's opener.

Here's how Ian Doyle rated the players:

Alisson Becker 6

No chance with the first goal and a few solid claims first half. Slightly concerning at times after the break.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 5

Slack too many occasions in possession but marked his 50 Premier League appearance with a fine cross for the equaliser. Not his best day. Substituted.

Joel Matip 7

A couple of Messiesque runs couldn't disguise the fact he was outfought by Long before the break. Responded very well afterwards, though.

Read how the match unfolded as Liverpool secure vital win at Southampton

Virgil van Dijk 6

Could have marked more closely for the first goal and then almost put into his own net. Southampton looked to keep the ball away from him for the most part.

Andy Robertson 5

Caught out by the Southampton first but at least offered some threat down the left. Most of his deliveries, though, were very disappointing.

Fabinho 6

Like Liverpool, all over the place in the opening quarter but then helped steady things in midfield, if not entirely convincingly at times.

Gini Wijnaldum 5

Anonymous in the first quarter but as Liverpool grabbed the initiative, the Dutchman came into it. Not sufficiently, however. Substituted.

Naby Keita 7

Naby Keita celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Easily dispossessed early on and defensively suspect, but did well going forward, was in the right place to head the equaliser and should have had a penalty. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah 8

His persistence played a big part in the leveller, but largely put in the effort without the reward. Until that remarkable and game-changing goal, of course. Booked for his celebration, but who could blame him?

Roberto Firmino 8

Worked so hard and determined to fashion openings, the Brazilian demonstrated some good touches and great vision. Not quite as involved after the break but brilliant work for the third.

Sadio Mane 7

Dangerous and alert when on the ball, provided pace to the Liverpool attacks. But should have scored with at least one header. Booked.

James Milner (for Alexander-Arnold 59) 7

Added some solidity to the right flank and was happy to bomb on.

Jordan Henderson (for Wijnaldum 59) 7

Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Brought energy to a spluttering Reds midfield and sped the play up considerably. Header created the second and in the right place for the third. Booked.

Dejan Lovren (for Keita 88)

Shook hands with Keita this time. Getting good at it.

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