Southampton 1-0 Liverpool
A Premier League clash on the south coast between the Saints and the Scousers.
What a way to mark the first Monday night of the new year!
Southampton had already shown they could give the top teams a real scare on the south coast, going down to narrow and slightly harsh defeats at home to both Manchester clubs.
The question now was, could they upset the reigning champions?
Highlights of the game
Despite a week in which they had dropped points, particularly with a home draw against strugglers West Brom, Liverpool are very much favourites to retain the title, a point made by home boss Ralph Hasenhuttl who was back in the dugout following a short period of isolation.
He had to juggle his selection in the build-up to the encounter, not least when goalkeeper Alex McCarthy – who has kept seven clean sheets in 16 league games – tested positive for coronavirus.
In addition, midfielder Oriol Romeu (calf) and Che Adams (concussion) also had to withdraw from the squad.
For Liverpool, there were no major surprises and, apart from the absence of three centre-backs, boss Jurgen Klopp was able to name a strong starting XI with summer signing Thiago Alcantara in the starting line-up.
They had won six consecutive Premier League matches against Southampton by an aggregate scoreline of 17-2 but were behind inside two minutes.
A quick free-kick was missed by full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and former Liverpool frontman Danny Ings – whose time on Merseyside was blighted by injury – instinctively and expertly lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Alisson into the far corner.
It was a fine finish and the Saints had a lead they would not relinquish.
Alexander-Arnold tried to make amends and, but for some fine defending from his counterpart Kyle Walker-Peters, it may have been another player scoring against his old club as former Southampton star Sadio Mane was waiting dangerously.
Then McCarthy’s replacement, Fraser Forster, was brave to challenge Mo Salah as he ran in on goal.
This was far from one-way traffic, however, as Southampton were creating their own opportunities. One such move midway through the first half saw Moussa Djenepo, in for Romeu, curl an effort narrowly over the bar.
It was his last real involvement before having to leave the fray with injury but, despite missing key men, Southampton continued to work tirelessly and, after Ings beat Jordan Henderson and flicked on the ball, substitute Nathan Tella cut inside and went close.
Play went back down the other end on the stroke of half-time and Salah did well to head the ball from a Mane delivery but could not convert.
Into the second half and the hosts remained fully committed with a number of vital blocks, Jack Stephens leading the resistance as Liverpool dominated possession but were restricted to few clear-cut chances.
Mane, as so often against his old club, was the danger man and saw one shot deflect away from Forster and the far post.
Despite tiring, the hosts could have grabbed a second with six minutes remaining as another substitute, Yan Valery, managed to thread a shot through Alisson’s legs but a lack of pace gave Henderson the time to clear.
Southampton, winless in four Premier League matches, and failing to score in the last three, were not going to let this go and, once Mane headed over in stoppage time, Southampton had a famous win to add to their Premier League highlights.
The Saints had slain the Scousers.
Key statistics
Southampton are the first team in Premier League history to beat all seven winners of the competition in the season following a title win.
Ings’ strike was his 50th in the Premier League (124 appearances), with this goal the earliest he’s s scored in the competition (1 minute, 51 seconds).
He has been directly involved in a club-high 39 Premier League goals since Hasenhuttl became manager in December 2018, scoring 32 and setting up seven.
This was goalkeeper Forster’s first Premier League appearance at St Mary’s since December 2017, and his first overall since May 2019.
Until this evening, Southampton had won just one of their last 15 Premier League games played on a Monday, drawing seven and losing seven.
Liverpool’s first shot on target in this match came in the 75th minute – their longest wait for an attempt on target in a Premier League match since December 2015 (89th minute vs Newcastle).
Liverpool have won only four of their past 15 Premier League away matches, drawing six and losing five.
When he arrived as a 77th-minute substitute, James Milner was making a Premier League appearance for the 20th consecutive year on the day he turned 35.
What’s next?
It’s the third round of the FA Cup next for both clubs.
Southampton entertain League One Shrewsbury on Saturday night (January 9), 24 hours after Liverpool visit Aston Villa in the tie of the round.
The Saints are then at high-flying Leicester City the following weekend in the league, while Liverpool host Manchester United.
Don’t forget to study the Sbotop Premier League betting odds for all those games.
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