An early season trip to the South Coast could have posed problems after 120+ minutes in Istanbul for the Reds. However, despite a nervy ending to the match, Liverpool sank Southampton 2-1 at Saint Mary’s.
Liverpool started brightly, as though the locker room remit was to go out get an early lead and reserve some energy after securing more silverware midweek. It did not quite work out that way and Southampton eventually took charge of the first half and tested the Reds resolve.
Given two of their opening four matches have stretched to penalty kick shootouts, managing minutes in the squad’s legs while still trying to establish rhythm for the the new campaign has posed problems. Still Sadio Manê’s goal just before the break showed Liverpool’s class cannot be denied.
Roberto Firmino doubled the lead in 71st minute and it looked like the Reds would cruise to an easy win. Then Adrián pulled a howler reminiscent of Alisson’s early season blunder and invited Saints back into the match, making for a more frantic finish than desired.
The victory made Jurgen Klopp the fastest manger to 300 points in LFC history at 146 matches, topping Kenny Dalgish’s 150.
Now with a trophy and maximum points in the league, Liverpool have a full week to recover and prepare for Arsenal at home.
Here are four findings from the match.
