Liverpool player ratings vs Saints: Trent 2, Mane’s worst ever performance

Here are the Liverpool player ratings for the frustrating defeat away at St. Mary’s.

Liverpool made a wretched start to the new year after their 1-0 loss against Southampton thanks to a Danny Ings strike.

The former Red, who struck three times in the Premier League for Liverpool, scored his second against the club to win his hometown club a vital three points.

Liverpool had a pretty dreadful first half. After Ings opened in the first few minutes, they created next to nothing going forward and looked under pressure throughout.

Saints could have gone 2-0 up after youngster Nathan Tella fired just wide, with the closest Liverpool coming… well, I can’t even remember.

The Reds, playing in aqua blue, came out with intent in the second half, with the midfield maintaining possession more – in particular Thiago and Gini Wijnaldum.

Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson provided a constant threat, but nothing concrete.

The Reds had a claim for a penalty when the ball struck Jack Stephens’ hand in the middle stages of the second half – but nothing was given, which was a common theme from Andre Marriner.

A cocktail of shocking decision making, very questionable refereeing decisions, and a bad dose of luck concocted Liverpool’s downfall. It was a frustrating defeat at St. Mary’s, and one which could impact the title race to come.

Here are the Liverpool player ratings, starting with the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker – 5.5

There was simply nothing Alisson could do about the goal, and bar a few shaky moments looked solid enough despite being mostly untested.

He was very nearly at fault for a Saints’ second, with Yan Valery nearly sliding home – albeit for a last-ditch clearance from Jordan Henderson.

He was, as I said, solid enough. He needs to be.