A scrappy affair to start and a scintillating second half saw Liverpool smash Southampton 4-0 at Anfield.
Every match provides Liverpool a new puzzle. Remaining unbeaten and having defeated every side in a league season for the first time in club history means every opponent is gunning to be the one to end this run.
Southampton is a side better prepared than most. Arriving at Anfield in excellent form, they are well-coached and presented Liverpool with problems. The pressure they applied in the first half turned the match into a rare scrape.
Heading into the half 0-0, the Reds realised some adjustments were required. The scrappy Saints issued a challenge and Liverpool seemed to relish it, restarting the second half as has become their signature with a goal.
Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 47th-minute goal to open the scoring started a second half that would sparkle with attacking flair. Liverpool would yield no more chances and only create them.
The Reds grew into the half with greater initiative and precision, overloading Southampton with their mentality and quality.
At the hour mark, Roberto Firmino assisted again, finding Jordan Henderson who provided an excellent finish. At that point the match was won but the Reds refused to stop.
Mo Salah, who played like a man possessed, managed a brace, scoring in the 71st and 90th minutes. The performance deserved inclusion on the score sheet and gives him 14 goals in the league.
Here are four findings from the match.
