da luck： Southampton recorded a goalless draw against high-flying Liverpool at St Mary’s on Saturday, and they certainly would have considered themselves fortunate not to lose their third successive Premier League encounter.
da betcris： The visitors had 15 efforts on goal compared to just three for the hosts, whilst a number of defensive actions – as well as some questionable finishing from Jurgen Klopp’s men – meant that the south coast outfit picked up a clean sheet and a valuable point.
Claude Puel’s side have now conceded 12 goals in 12 top flight matches this season – only Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have let in fewer – and much of that is down to the collective performance of their back five, as well as Oriol Romeu just in front of them.
Whereas the three aforementioned teams have some great players in their defensive set-ups, there aren’t too many Puel would swap for any of his first-choice back five.
Here are three reasons the Saints defence proved they are best in the league against Liverpool…
They’ve got Fraser Forster
Every successful football team will more than likely have a dependable goalkeeper between the sticks, and Southampton certainly have that in the form of towering shot-stopper Fraser Forster.
The England international has been questioned by some supporters on occasion this term, believing he should command his penalty area more effectively, but the 28-year-old proved why he is one of the Premier League’s best with a particularly fine save to deny Saints old boy Sadio Mane.
Dominant centre-backs
Once again, Virgil van Dijk was brilliant at the heart of the Saints defence and deservedly walked away with the Man of the Match award.
The Dutchman, who is surely interesting the very biggest clubs, made an especially brilliant last-ditch challenge to deny Mane a goal against his former team.
Alongside him, captain Jose Fonte has been a key part of this Southampton side for almost seven years and the Euro 2016 winner once again put in a commanding performance against the Reds.
Full-backs that can defend
The modern day full-back almost seems to be expected to be better going forward than in defence, but Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares proved that they are good defenders too against Liverpool.
On an afternoon when Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated possession and attacking opportunities were at a premium, the England and Portugal internationals had to do their jobs at the back.
Tey certainly did that, dealing with the brilliant movement of the likes of Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho in expert fashion.