In a match where Liverpool may not have played at their best, the scoreline clearly flattered the home side. The Reds counterattacked with breathtaking pace to punch out Southampton 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium.
In what looks like a tactical trend, the Reds seem increasingly content with allowing their opponent to have the ball. Home against Spurs and away to Southampton, Liverpool have played much more like an away side of late. There has been patience without the ball coupled with an renewed appetite for pressing at precise moments.
With the ball, the Reds spring forward with breakneck urgency and an eye for more edge in front of goal. While the first half saw Liverpool operating with far more precision, the result was never in doubt before or after the break. Despite Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah sharing spoils of a goal and an assist each, the Reds really should have punished the Saints with even more ruthlessness than was required for this result. Still, if chances had been taken this could and should have been a hammering.
Given that a key Champions League match awaits the club midweek, a professional, comfortable victory was more than welcome. Liverpool returned to third in the table, two points behind Manchester United and two points ahead of Spurs. In a weekend where Liverpool needed a result, they cruised to one and should have legs for a European encounter.
Here are four findings from the match.
