Temporary Southampton Manager Simon Rask was pleased with his team's efforts League Cup On Wednesday night, even as Arne Sloat's Liverpool beat the South Coast side.
It wasn't quite a trip for the Reds when they traveled to St Mary's, in a game they might have been expecting to play after Southampton's recent 5-0 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur, but the Premier League leaders had to settle for a narrow 2-1 win instead. that.
In particular, Rusk's Saints would benefit from their second-half display of several positive results, with Cameron Archer scoring his side's only goal of the night to boost their confidence.
Saints outstanding performance against Liverpool
Archer will give the hosts some hope that they can return to EFL Cup competition, after Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott combined for a quick first-half brace.
This is the former Aston Villa man Fifth strike In all competitions for his humble side, this is by far the better choice, as Southampton's No.19 was given time to don various different Liverpool shirts before curling a stunning shot home.
Aside from the 23-year-old worrying Liverpool a bit, the likes of senior England international Taylor Harwood-Bellis also stood out, with the young centre-back winning 100% of his duels Even when faced with the aforementioned danger that is Nunez.
Rask would also have been pleased with Yukinara Sugawara's impressive second-half performance as well, which completed the game Three key passes After just 29 minutes of play, but another star shone for the Saints even with the level of competition they were facing.
Fernandes' performance by the numbers
Matheus Fernandes is one individual who the new Saints boss – when Rask steps down – will certainly want to maintain his first-team image, after putting in another encouraging display for his new club.
The Portuguese midfielder deployed down the left channel during the midweek encounter, and was energetic and fearless for his side as he was involved in duels and tackles in an intense display in the second half, while also being a threat when running forward at times.
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Fernandes' performance by the numbers |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Fernandez |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Goals were scored |
0 |
|
Helps |
0 |
|
Touches |
53 |
|
Accurate passes |
18/29 (62%) |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
It created great opportunities |
1 |
|
Objections |
2 |
|
He treats |
4 |
|
Total duels won |
8/10 |
|
Statistics by SofaScore |
|
In keeping with his side's lively display in the second half, Fernandes won eight duels and completed four tackles, while also proving to be a competent player in attack when his passes were not stray, with two key passes recorded. It is not surprising that Analyst Ben Mattinson He previously praised his “exceptional ability to play perfectly loaded through balls”.
The 20-year-old would also be involved in a big moment of controversy near the end of the EFL Cup match, as he raced towards goal to try to equalize, but was brought down by Jarrell Quansah in what appeared to be a clear foul.
On another night, Liverpool's No. 78 could have been sent off for recklessness, but referee Simon Hooper offered nothing to the amazement of disgruntled home fans and angry Southampton players.
As much as that may have muddied proceedings, Fernandes would still have been happy with his full-time efforts, with Daily Echo journalist Jorge Reis Julien presenting the former Sporting man with a top award. Rating 7/10 After the match, he admitted he was “robbed” of a big chance at the end during a spirited outing.
He will hope that he can claim more first-team opportunities moving forward, thus, having already earned them 13 starts Back in the Premier League under former coach Russell Martin.
Based on the display he put in on Wednesday night against one of the Premier League's most fearsome teams, he should be given more games in the division under the next regime.
