Everyone will rightfully be talking about the players who delivered the goods for Liverpool in front of the opposition’s goal last night. However, it’s worth noting that if there was a player at the other end who also delivered a masterclass.
If it wasn’t for Caoimhin Kelleher’s brilliant performance in the first half for Liverpool, the Reds final result may not have been as comfortable. The Irish goalkeeper pretty much kept Liverpool in it at times with some fantastic saves.
Kelleher incredibly faced an xG of 1.79 against Southampton, made three saves from inside of his own penalty area. There were two brilliant contributions from a one vs one situation and another from close range. In general, the 25-year-old goalkeeper was sensational for Liverpool on the night, and he also did something that no player has been able to do against Southampton since September.
Caoimhin Kelleher keeping another clean-sheet
Kelleher has now faced an xG of 4.71 in his last two games against Southampton and Chelsea. Yet despite such a high volume and quality of shots generated against him, he is still yet to concede a goal. What makes this an even more remarkable feat is that Kelleher was the first goalkeeper not to concede against Southampton since September.
The last time Southampton failed to score a goal in a game was on the 19th September in a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich. Since then, Liverpool’s opponents last night have scored in every single game.
Which makes the fact that Liverpool were able to keep a clean-sheet all the more impressive. A huge credit will be handed to Caoimhin Kelleher. But of course the rest of the defence deserves praise as well, they all played really well.
Kelleher though has shown again why he is the best second choice goalkeeper in world football. He’s massively underrated as well.
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