Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rates his first Liverpool FC start in 16 months
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reflects on his first Premier League start in Liverpool FC's 2-1 win over Southampton
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says he was pleased to contribute to Liverpool FC’s 2-1 win against Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp opted to start the England international against his former club Southampton in their second Premier League fixture of the 2019-20 season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain spent most of last season sidelined with a knee problem that he sustained at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
The 26-year-old lasted 89 minutes before he was replaced by captain Jordan Henderson.
Speaking to BBC Sport about his comeback at St Mary’s, Oxlade-Chamberlain said:
“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.”
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino scored either side of half-time at St Mary’s before Adrian’s mistake allowed Danny Ings to make it 2-1 with seven minutes to go.
Oxlade-Chamberlain sustained a serious knee injury in Liverpool FC’s 5-2 victory over AS Roma in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The England star made a substitute appearance in a 5-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League in April 2019 after 366 days on the sidelines.
Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Liverpool FC in a £40m deal from Arsenal in the 2018 summer transfer window.
The former Saints midfielder netted five goals in 42 games in all competitions during his first season at Liverpool FC before injury struck.
Liverpool FC finished in second place in the Premier League table last term.
