Liverpool FC’s shallow run of form of late continued with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Southampton in the Merseysiders’ first outing of the new year.
Danny Ings found the back of the net with a clever lobbed effort in only the second minute to inflict a devastating defeat to his former side as the visitors struggled to break down a resilient Saints backline over the course of the game.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
Thiago Alcantara, who was handed a start on Monday after nearly two months on the sidelines due to injury, gave away a cheap free-kick to the hosts inside the very first minute of the game.
James Ward-Prowse’s delivery from the resulting free-kick was fantastic, as was Ings’ looping effort on goal, the ex-Red getting the better of Alisson Becker to give his side a lead.
Liverpool FC’s efforts for an equaliser were unrivalled by their opponents in the minutes following Ings’ goal, with Reds frontline going all out for their leveller.
However, neither of the opportunities through on goal for the Merseysiders bore any fruit as the Southampton defence stood their ground to deny Sadio Mane’s increasing activity on the left flank.
Coming onto the pitch after the first-half whistle, Klopp’s men continued their unmatched dominance in terms of ball retention but the Saints were cautious going forward, instead choosing to defend in large number against a springy Liverpool FC attacking line.
Two penalty appeals from the visitors were denied by the match referee Andre Marriner was not having any of the complaints being lodged by the Liverpool FC players, much to the disbelief of Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.
Defeat at St Mary's.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 4, 2021
The final minutes at St. Mary’s saw substitute Xherdan Shaqiri fire his effort way over the bar, following which Sadio Mane’s headed effort off a corner kick delivery from Andy Robertson was not on target, thereby handing Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side a well-earned win against the defending champions.
