Not Danny Ings’ goal nor Ralph Hassenhuttl’s emotional final whistle reaction: for many Southampton fans, it was Kyle Walker-Peters‘ performance which stood out in the Saints’ 1-0 victory against Liverpool.
The former Tottenham defender played an instrumental role in ensuring that goalkeeper Fraser Forster kept a clean sheet on his return to Hassenhuttl’s side.
The right-back managed to win the man of the match award, as voted for by Saints fans for his display. It is the third game in a row in which he has the accolade, a feat which is indicative of just how crucial he is perceived to be in the team’s tremendous season so far.
CURRENT FORM: 🔥🔥🔥
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 5, 2021
A third successive @Sportsbetio Player of the Match award for @KWPeters! 🏅 pic.twitter.com/sfcuOfOeB0
The hosts retreated more into their own half for the second half of the game as they dropped deeper and soaked up pressure from Jurgen Klopp’s side, who ultimately had 17 shots to the hosts’ seven despite the final score.
A clean sheet is indicative of the robustness of a defence which worked hard to shut out the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who had just one shot on target between them.
As per Sofascore, Walker-Peters picked up a 7.4 rating for his fine display, with only match-winner Danny Ings and central defenders Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek rated higher out of the Saints players.
These Southampton fans took to Twitter to hail the 23-year-old after his “sensational” display, with one believing he has been the Saints’ best acquisition since snapping up the prolific Ings…
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @Sportsbetio @KWPeters What a match from this man! (@DaSchmoh)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @Sportsbetio @KWPeters I love this man (@MizzaSFC)
Twitter: @SouthamptonFC @Sportsbetio @KWPeters It was Diallo for me, but that’s really just splitting hairs. KWP is our best signing since Ings. (@AidanDFThorn)
