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Oxlade-Chamberlain admits Liverpool ‘suffered’ against Southampton

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain admitted that Liverpool were made to suffer by Southampton in what was a difficult game.

Having won the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul on Wednesday night, Liverpool had the long journey to the South Coast to face a well-rested Southampton side who were looking to recover from their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Burnley on the opening day.

The European champions grabbed the three points thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, before a late Danny Ings goal set up a nervy final ten minutes at St Mary’s.

Speaking after the game, Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted that Liverpool ‘suffered’ and were at times ‘under the cosh’ from his former side.

“There were moments in the game where we suffered and knew we had to improve,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told the BBC.

”We knew we would come under the cosh and had to withstand that. But, despite playing 120 minutes and all the travel, we were never going to use that as an excuse.

“We had to turn up today and prove we were raring to go and I think we did that.”

The game was the Ox’s first Premier League start in 16 months following his serious knee injury at the end of the 2017/18 season, and the former Arsenal man admitted it was ‘great to be back’ on the pitch.

“The main thing is the three points for the team, whether I’m on the pitch or not. But on a personal level it is great to be back out there and contributing to a good solid performance.

“That’s what you miss. I’ve been working hard to get back to this point, I’ve had iffy moments along the way, but I have to keep reminding myself it is a long journey back to where I want to be.”

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