Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League on Friday with a 3-1 win over Southampton.
The Reds looked set to take only a point from St. Mary’s until a flurry in the final ten minutes saw Klopp’s men snatch all three points; a huge win in the Merseysider’s pursuit of a maiden Premier League title.
Southampton were first to draw blood in a game that has recently become a strange form of derby with Liverpool’s notorious reputation for acquiring the Saints’ most promising talent.
The first ten minutes saw a lot of attacking pressure by Southampton and it eventually paid off. Pierre Emile Hojbjerg has been pivotal in the Saints bid to stay in the Premier League with his attitude on and off the pitch and this goal showcased this perfectly.
Hojbjerg sprinted 50 yards into the box to give Ryan Bertrand options to aim for in the box, and a beautifully waited chipped through ball fell to the head of Hojbjerg, who had the awareness to pick out Shane Long.
In a scenario such as this, with Long one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Saints’ fans are used to disappointing outcomes, however, an excellent touch from Long in the box set him up nicely and he placed the ball neatly past Alisson in to the bottom left of the net to score his second goal of the season.
It was defensively questionable from Liverpool as Long was left free in the penalty area, yet a lapse of concentration from the Reds’ defence was one the Irishman took full advantage of.
A mistake by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 18th minute saw Southampton nearly double their lead. Some good work from Bertrand and Nathan Redmond on the left-hand side of the field lead to a crossing opportunity from Bertrand.
An excellent low ball was played to Long, who this time lived up to his reputation of bottling big opportunities. Any contact on the ball would have taken the ball in the direction of the goal.
Long had his head in his hands which can only suggest he knew that he’d missed a huge opportunity to put the Saints in an even more advantageous position.
Liverpool capitalised on their 72% possession in the first half through Naby Keita. After 10 minutes of pressure on the Saints’ goal, Klopp’s men finally found an opening.
Alexander-Arnold found the head of Keita in the box. The powerful header was flapped at by Angus Gunn and made its way in to the bottom left hand corner of the net.
The look of relief on Keita’s face as he wheeled away in celebration was a look that reflected metaphorical tonnes of pressure on the midfielder’s shoulders being lifted. His first of many for Liverpool?
Southampton’s shape in the second half was something to be admired. Despite the Liverpool pressure, they were remaining solid. Their downfall came from a rapid counterattack. Southampton’s cleared corner fell to Mohamed Salah, 70 yards from goal.
The Egyptian then turned on the afterburners and took the ball to the edge of the Southampton box and expertly curled the ball in to the right-hand corner of the net past Gunn. This marked Salah’s 50th goal in the Premier League, and in terms of the title, it could be one of the biggest goals he’s scored.
Southampton then switched off in the last ten minutes which is not something you can do against a side pushing for the Premier League title. A cute turn and pinpoint low cross by Roberto Firmino saw Jordan Henderson tap the ball into the back of the net from point blank range. A huge goal for Henderson and Liverpool, represented perfectly by the passionate celebration, rounding off the 3-1 victory.
Questionable Refereeing
Refereeing decisions in the Premier League this season have been far from perfect, and Friday night was no different. The first came for Liverpool’s first goal. During the build up Salah strayed offside to get on the end of a lofted Alexander-Arnold ball. The subsequent play then say Keita nestle the ball in the back of the net. A similar offside call was given against Salah two minutes previously – whilst it was tight, decisions from professional officials must be consistent.
The decision, that if VAR was involved, would almost definitely have been overturned. If Southampton went into the half a goal in front a completely different game could have instilled. The second decision is one that is more of a grey area. Keita was fouled in the box due to an outstretched leg from Maya Yoshida.
However, the ball was out of control of the attacker and did not pose a threat on the Southampton goal. Contact is unquestionable however, depending on the referee’s personal opinion and the way the season has gone for Liverpool so far, if VAR was present a penalty could have potentially been awarded. Liverpool fans will be feeling like this year is their year, with luck finally swinging their way.
On the flipside, almost all other fans in England will feel like Liverpool are being handed the trophy with a slight hand from the FA. Instances against West Ham, Bournemouth and now Southampton to name a few. Strong calls for VAR next season just keep getting stronger as the quality of officiating in the Premier League is below par at best.
Henderson makes a statement of intent
Liverpool looked out of motivation and ideas until Jordan Henderson came on for Alexander-Arnold in the 59th minute. A player who has been highly criticised by Liverpool fans and critics alike.
Despite this criticism, Henderson’s passion and work rate has been second to none. The English midfielder had not scored in a Premier League game in 60+ appearances. The Reds’ captain popped up in the time that his side needed him the most, in their push for the league title. Liverpool’s midfield has been far from inspiring in terms of scoring and creating goals, but alongside a first goal from Keita, Friday showed that when needed they will perform.
Southampton lacking firepower in attack
Southampton have now lost 23 points from leading positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. If they managed to keep a hold of their leads, they would currently be sitting comfortably in 7th place, putting firm pressure on the top six clubs, a place which Saints’ fans believe they should be in.
One of the things that Saints fans are craving is a consistent striker, something they haven’t seen since Graziano Pelle. Long has scored two goals in 20 appearances, exactly the same as Charlie Austin. Danny Ings looked to be Saints’ saviour as he scored three goals in five games in the beginning of the season, but injury has held him back. This is something that Hasenhuttl must address in the summer if they want to push for a place higher in the table.
Liverpool maintain push for Premier League immortality
The win over Saints saw the Reds climb back to the top of the Premier League, two points ahead of Manchester City.
City have a game in hand, however. Liverpool’s test comes in their next Premier League fixture as they face Chelsea. Obviously, no game in the English top-flight is easy, but Chelsea have the fire power and ability to really put a dent in Liverpool’s title charge. City are still to face Manchester United and Spurs in their bid to retain the title.
Being a fan of neither Liverpool or City, it just feels as though there is a wave of confidence around City and a wave of nervousness in the Liverpool camp. A 29 year wait for a chance at the title would do that to a side as the psychological strength of players and staff is really being put to the test.
Saints bid for survival retains positivity
Huge win against Spurs and Brighton have settled the nerves of Saints’ fans as losses to Chelsea and Man City have left Cardiff five points behind the Saints with only five games to go.
It is incredibly tight and anything could happen, but with their performance against Liverpool and recent results, the Saints look set to march on into the Premier League for another season.
