Under the South Coast lights, Liverpool left it late before pulling away from Southampton to regain top position in the league. In the end, the Reds surged past the Saints 3-1 at St. Mary’s.
With a reinvigorated Southampton working to avoid relegation, the home side provided Liverpool all kinds of challenges in the first half. Striking within the first 10 minutes, Saints took the lead and forced Liverpool to shake off a slack start.
The Reds struggled to find their feet but refused to panic. Falling a goal down increased the urgency. Liverpool started to grow into the match and created chances, despite still seeming vulnerable under a high press and quick counter-attacks. It took time, but the equaliser was coming and it was Naby Keita who got it.
With a chance to regroup at the half, the same line-up returned and continued to struggle against Southampton’s low block, disciplined defence.
With the Reds unable to find solutions, Jurgen Klopp made changes on the hour, sending on Jordan Henderson and James Milner to inject some industry and intellect. It worked flawlessly.
Further forward in midfield, Henderson released a streaking Mo Salah down the centre of the pitch to score his first goal in nine matches to take the lead.
Later, he would add the 86th-minute finish for his first goal of the season and the euphoric release that ensured victory and a continued title challenge.
Now, Manchester City must wait over a week to answer.
Here are four findings from the match.
