Despite lots of Southampton pressure in the second half, the Merseysiders sealed the points with just under 20 minutes left as Raheem Sterling fired home.

Here, Sports Mole rates the performances of those involved in the match at St Mary's Stadium.

Filip Djuricic for Southampton on February 11, 2015 © Getty Images

SOUTHAMPTON

Goal

Fraser Forster: It was a fairly quiet afternoon for the England international, though there was little he could do to keep out the two goals. (6/10)

Defence

Nathaniel Clyne: Another fine display from the full-back, who bombed up and down the right to provide his side with a dynamic attacking outlet. (7/10)

Jose Fonte: Looked assured at the back for the hosts. Did a good job in keeping Liverpool's forward players quiet. (7/10)

Maya Yoshida: Complemented Fonte impressively in the heart of the Saints' defence. Made one particular tackle on Sturridge that was timed to perfection. (7/10)

Matt Targett: Occasionally showed his inexperience at the back, such as when he failed to clear the ball in the build-up to Liverpool's second goal. (5/10)

Midfield

James Ward-Prowse: Struggled to make his usual impact with set pieces and crosses, but nonetheless worked hard in midfield until he was brought off in the second half. (6/10)

Victor Wanyama: Despite anchoring Southampton's midfield in solid fashion, the Kenyan was guilty of giving the ball away cheaply in key areas a couple of times. (6/10)

Steven Davis: Found it difficult to get into the game during the opening half and was duly taken off in the interval. (5/10)

Filip Djuricic: Was not consistent enough throughout the game, though this was only his second appearance for the club. (5/10)

Attack

Eljero Elia: Was the home side's most dangerous player on the day thanks to a dynamic performance that saw him trouble the Liverpool defence with some good runs. (7/10)

Graziano Pelle: Cut a lonely figure up front as his teammates struggled to provide the necessary service. Looks to be low on confidence, if that is possible for a man with such chiseled features. (5/10)

Substitutes

Morgan Schneiderlin: The Frenchman gave the hosts more of an assured presence in midfield when he came off the bench at half time. (7/10)

Sadio Mane: Made a big impact when he was introduced with 30 minutes left. Took little time in getting stuck in and forcing Liverpool back. (7/10)

Dusan Tadic: Entered the action with 15 minutes left, but he failed to produce that spark that the hosts so desperately needed. (5/10)

Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 22, 2015 © Getty Images

LIVERPOOL

Goal

Simon Mignolet: Enjoyed a solid afternoon between the sticks. Ten clean sheets this season tells you he is not as bad as many think. (7/10)

Defence

Dejan Lovren: Did not always look completely in control against his former club, but he worked hard at the back for the visitors. (7/10)

Martin Skrtel: Had an excellent game in defence, helping his side to soak up lots of pressure as the afternoon wore on. (8/10)

Emre Can: Looked shaky early on as he nearly gave away a penalty, though he improved for the rest of the contest. (7/10)

Midfield

Jordon Ibe: Caused the Saints plenty of problems down the right wing with his pace and skill. However, he eventually faded before being brought off with 15 minutes left. (6/10)

Jordan Henderson: Worked like a dog in midfield for Liverpool. It was not always pretty, but Henderson fought tooth and nail to keep the visitors at bay. (7/10)

Joe Allen: A pretty underwhelming afternoon for the Welshman, who drifted about for large spells of the match. (5/10)

Lazar Markovic: Struggled to contain Southampton's speedier players and was subsequently brought off at half time. (5/10)

Adam Lallana: Would have loved to have silenced the home fans with an influential display, but he instead found it hard to have a say. Came off midway through the second half. (6/10)

Philippe Coutinho: Scored a screamer to get Liverpool on their way. Did plenty of running after that, only to be thwarted by the home side's defence. (7/10)

Attack

Raheem Sterling: Grew into the match the longer that it went on. Looked at his most lively when spaces opened up and was rewarded with a well-taken goal. (7/10)

Substitutes

Alberto Moreno: Replaced Markovic at half time and offered his team more of a robust presence at the back as Southampton piled on the pressure. (6/10)

Daniel Sturridge: Posed a big threat to the hosts when he came on with an hour played. Some silky skills in and around the box showed that he has not lost any of his confidence while on the sidelines. (7/10)

Glen Johnson: Helped to shore up the Liverpool defence during the final 15 minutes as the Saints turned the screw. (6/10)