Liverpool 1-0 Southampton
Premier League
Saturday, 1st December 2012
Daniel Agger’s headed goal just before half-time proved the only goal of the game as Liverpool recorded a crucial win at Anfield.
Liverpool were boosted by the return of influential midfielder Lucas Leiva, who lined up alongside Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard in midfield, with Jonjo Shelvey returning to the line-up in support of Suarez and Sterling up front. Jose Enrique moved back to left-back.
Brendan Rodgers side dominated the first-half and finally got the breakthrough when Agger guided Glen Johnson’s cross past the Southampton keeper after Suarez’s free-kick was well saved.
Before that the home side had hit the post and crossbar.
The second half wasn’t so dominating and Liverpool failed to put the game away, wasteful in front of goal and on the counter attack several times. Sterling twice got into good positions but couldn’t quite pick the final pass.
There was also the problem of Suarez receiving his fifth yellow card of the season, for a deliberate handball, meaning he will be banned for next week’s trip to West Ham. He will therefore travel for the crucial final Europa League group game against Udinese this week.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Lucas (Carragher 88), Allen (Henderson 69), Gerrard, Shelvey, Sterling, Suarez.
Subs not used: Jones, Wisdom, Sahin, Suso, Downing.
Ref: Oliver
Att: 44,525
