Liverpool had to settle for ending the 2022-2023 Premier League with a draw after being held to Southampton 4-4 at St Marys Stadium, Sunday (28/5/2023). The draw score can be said to be the best result that the Reds can achieve, considering that Jurgen Klopp’s team were actually almost beaten by Southampton.
Playing at home to the opponent made it difficult for Liverpool at the start of the match. However, they were able to excel quickly through Diogo Jota in the 10th minute and Roberto Firmino in the 14th minute.
Interestingly, Southampton, who have been relegated, can actually put up a fight. The team at the bottom of the 2022-2023 Premier League standings were able to equalize through James Ward-Prowse in the 19th minute and Kamaldeen Sulemana in the 28th minute. The 2-2 score lasted until halftime.
In the second half Liverpool tried to dominate the game from the start. However, they conceded again through Southampton’s counter-attack by Kamaldeen Sulemana. He performed a solo run action from behind the goal line. He brought the ball to the front of the penalty box and then fired a shot into the bottom left corner of Kelleher’s goal. 3-2!
Liverpool then responded to the goal by making four substitutions in the 57th minute. One of the players who entered was Jordan Henderson.
But Liverpool even conceded again in the 64th minute. Adam Armstrong intercepted Henderson’s pass and easily entered the penalty box from left halfspace. He then beat Kelleher with a powerful low shot. 4-2.
Liverpool then pressed even more seriously. As a result they were able to score a goal back in the 72nd minute. Their string of passes was rounded off by Trent’s low pass inside the box for Gakpo, who scored with a tap-in. 4-3!
A minute later Liverpool could score again. Diaz on the left side of the center of the field gave the ball to Salah in the middle area and Liverpool launched a quick counter attack. He then gave Jota a through ball. With a right-foot shot, the Portuguese player broke into Southampton’s goal. 4-4!
The 78th minute Liverpool almost turned the score around. Henderson releases a hull pass from behind the halfway line to Salah. Without controlling it he immediately made a lob shot. But unfortunately the ball only hit the right post of Southampton’s goal.
Liverpool then dominated the game. They almost scored through Salah in the 89th minute. But the ball shot was countered by the Southampton goalkeeper.
Minutes 90+2 Salah had the chance to threaten the Southampton goal again. He entered the penalty box from right halfspace and fired a curling shot at the far post. Unfortunately the ball shot away from the target.
Liverpool then tried to keep pounding on the Southampton defense. Unfortunately they could not score additional goals. The match ended with a score of 4-4.
For Liverpool, this draw is somewhat surprising. Because, in terms of ranking, they are far superior to Southampton, who have been confirmed to be relegated from the top division of the Premier League.
The draw against Southampton kept Liverpool in fifth place in the Premier League standings with a collection of 67 points from 38 matches.
Meanwhile, Southampton, who were able to hold Liverpool to a draw, did not move from the bottom of the standings. The club nicknamed The Saints was only able to collect 25 points from 38 matches in the Premier League this season.
