Matches leading in and out of international breaks present challenges all their own. Sometimes the schedule can be disruptive.
Locked in before the break, Liverpool fought but could not find a way through, drawing away at Southampton 0-0.
Southampton made things difficult at St. Mary’s. Liverpool struggled to break the Saints down despite playing most of the match in the home side’s territory. For stretches in either half, Liverpool virtually set up shop in Southampton’s half of the pitch, probing but unable to make it pay.
Liverpool exercised patience but the international break may also have contributed to a bit of sluggishness. The Reds found it difficult to find their rhythm in the early going. They improved in the second half, increasing the pace of their passing and showing more aggression going forward.
All the same, the disciplined defending of the Saints made for a difficult afternoon.
Plus, Liverpool’s well-oiled attacking machine misfired more than it has recently, failing to find that finish that would have seen them clear to grind out a victory. Liverpool played well. It was just not their day.
Here are four findings from the match.
Comments.
Loading comments…