Liverpool were made to work hard for the three points against Southampton on Saturday.
The hosts were the better team in the first half and troubled Adrian a couple of times. The Spaniard did well to save from a Maya Yoshida header, but it was Sadio Mane who made the biggest contribution in the opening 45.
The Reds were second best for most of the half but the Senegal star blasted in the opener just on the stroke of half-time.
The second half saw a different Liverpool team with the Reds dominating possession and creating chance after chance.
Roberto Firmino made it 2-0 after some great work from Mane, and it seemed like a comfortable ride till the final whistle.
However, Adrian made a huge error as his pass deflected off Danny Ings and into the net to bring Southampton back into the game.
Liverpool looked shaky in the final minutes but they held on for the all-important three points.
The 32-year-old made a right old mess of a clearance in the first half and was punished for being too lax with the ball at his feet. The Spaniard has to cut out these mistakes ahead of a tough few weeks without Alisson.
The English defender struggled in the first half but was at his best in the second as he threatened the Saints defence with quality crosses.
Van Dijk was great in his role at the back, and his frustration at conceding the goal was visible for all to see at St Mary’s.
The Saints targetted Matip throughout the first half and got some purchase off the centre-back. However, the Cameroonian was great in the second half and had some fantastic runs into the opposition half.
Robbo was brilliant in the second half and had one great effort saved by the Saints keeper.
Wijnaldum didn’t really set the world alight with his performance and put in his regular shift in midfield.
It was great seeing the Ox getting a second consecutive start this season. The Englishman still looks a little rusty but had some bright moments in the game.
Milner was busted open early in the game but the midfielder soldiered on with a bandaged head. He too looked much better in the second half of the tie.
Mane pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the first goal of the game. The Senegal star was fantastic throughout and could have scored more.
Firmino missed an easy chance in the second half but took the harder one to give the Reds a 2-0 lead. The Brazilian looks close to his best, and he needs to keep this form for the remainder of the campaign.
Salah barely touched the ball in a tough first half but came alive in the second with several quality touches and passes.
The Brazilian came on to shore up the midfield for the Reds.
Origi had some nice moments in the game but nothing too testing for the Saints defence.
Came on late but didn’t have time to make a mark.
Glen Johnson believes incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot has to win over the dressing room…
James Pearce makes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arne Slot Liverpool claim Speaking on the Walk On…
Romano confirms that Ruben Amorim held talks with Liverpool before Arne Slot appointment Prior to…
Romano reveals Arne Slot wants to retain dominant Liverpool defensive star Fabrizio Romano has confirmed…
Fabrizio Romano confirms that Liverpool-bound Arne Slot admires Dutch star It appears that Arne Slot,…
Liverpool are ready to battle Paris Saint-Germain to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and fix…
