We’re at that point of the season now where every single point is absolutely vital, and if you slip up, it could be disastrous for where you want to end up. Heading into last night Liverpool knew that one or two bad results would almost certainly allow Manchester City to take advantage, but thankfully, they were able to avoid that last night as they scored two late goals to lift themselves over a determined Southampton side.
Battling back
The Saints are one of those teams that always seem to put on a show against sides that are above them in the table, but when you examine their season as a whole, it’s difficult to avoid some of their more worrying results. A change in management has certainly helped them out in terms of their survival hopes, but they’ll be rueing their missed opportunities this morning after what was a really tight game.
They took the unlikely lead in this game courtesy of Shane Long, who actually managed to get on the scoresheet after months of mockery from rival fans regarding his finishing ability. Naby Keita’s nice header brought the Reds back onto level terms, but as the game went on, it seemed as if Liverpool were unable to use that goal to push on for a second.
Live to fight another day
With around 10 minutes to go Jurgen Klopp’s men were in desperate need of a moment of magic, and they got it from Mohamed Salah. He scored a wonderful solo goal to give the visitors the advantage, with what could prove to be one of the most important goals he’s ever scored. Jordan Henderson sealed the deal with a close finish with just a few minutes to go, ensuring that Liverpool moved back to the top.
Southampton’s push for survival will continue next weekend when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers, who themselves are fighting for a Europa League spot. The Reds, on the other hand, will have to start juggling their priorities now as they gear up for a Champions League quarter final first leg against Porto – before welcoming Chelsea to Anfield just a few days later.
Match Report
Southampton: Gunn (5.5), Vestergaard (7.5), Yoshida (7), Bednarek (6), Bertrand (7), Hojbjerg (7), Romeu (7), Valery (6.5), Redmond (6), Ward-Prowse (6.5), Long (7), Armstrong (6), Sims (6), Austin (6)
Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (6.5), Matip (7.5), van Dijk (7), Robertson (6.5), Wijnaldum (6), Fabinho (7), Keita (7.5), Salah (7.5), Firmino (8.5), Mane (7), Milner (6.5), Henderson (7), Lovren (6)
Referee: Paul Tierney
Goals: Long :: Keita, Salah, Henderson
Yellow Cards: Bednarek, Bertrand, Henderson, Robertson, Salah, Mane
Red Cards: N/A
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