KUCHING: Former Malaysian goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussein and football host Roshan Narayan both agreed that Liverpool deserved their win today (Dec 19) against Southampton.
In an exclusive interview with Sarawak Tribune recently, they shared their insights on the match, discussing what Liverpool did better and how the dynamic of the game could have shifted in the second half.
Syed Adney praised Liverpool’s strong first-half performance, which he had anticipated.
“Liverpool’s form was stellar recently, so a fast and strong start was expected. They delivered with goals from Darwin Núñez in the 24th minute and Harvey Elliott eight minutes later,” he said.
The Reds controlled the game in the opening half, but Southampton responded after the break. Cameron Archer pulled one back with a brilliant curling strike, but despite pressing in the final stages, the Saints could not find an equaliser.
“It was a bit of a scare in the second half,” said Syed Adney. “Southampton came at Liverpool, especially in the last 15 minutes. It felt quite shaky.”
He also highlighted Southampton’s tactical changes, which made them more dangerous in attack.
“They created some good chances, forcing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher into some important saves,” he added.
Yukinari Sugawara, introduced on the right wing, was a key figure in Southampton’s improved second-half performance.
“Sugawara made a real difference on the right,” Syed Adney noted. “He caused problems for Liverpool’s defence and threw off their defensive strategy.”
Roshan agreed that while Liverpool were deserving winners, the match could have had a different outcome.
“The second half could have gone another way. It could have ended in a draw or gone to penalties,” he said. “But Southampton had nothing to lose, and their changes gave them a real chance.”
“Ultimately, though, Liverpool deserved the win, 2-1 was a fair result” Roshan concluded.
