Liverpool won Nathan Jones’ debut game as Liverpool manager, beating Southampton 3-1.
Roberto Firmino headed in a sixth-minute free kick for Liverpool, but Che Adams promptly equalised.
Darwin Nunez scored twice before halftime to dash Saints’ dreams of a smash-and-grab in their new manager’s debut.
The visitors fell into the bottom three despite a strong second half.
Liverpool vs. Southampton result
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Liverpool | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Southampton | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Goals:
LIV: Firmino (6th min)
SOU: Adams (9th min)
LIV: Nunez (21st min)
LIV: Nunez (42nd min)
Darwin’s evolution progresses
Darwin Nunez has been criticised for bringing mayhem to Liverpool’s frontline.
Today’s performance resembled a centre- forward’s.
The Uruguayan scored twice, executed beautiful passes, and tormented Southampton’s backline.
Every Reds supporter should be excited about his second-half potential.
Alisson’s heroics win easily
You would think Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Anfield tonight was simple.
Southampton’s second-half performance left Liverpool clinging to victory.
Nathan Jones’ team had enough second-period opportunities to turn the game around, but they couldn’t defeat Alisson Becker.
If Liverpool’s goalie is that good at the World Cup, Brazil should win.
January midfield reinforcements needed
Alisson’s hectic finish suggests Jurgen Klopp still has issues to address.
His midfield struggles to dominate games, making it difficult to maintain assaults or prevent opponent counterattack.
Even without Jordan Henderson, Klopp had his first-choice midfield.
If the German wants to enhance the engine room for the second half of the season, he must strengthen it in January.
Highlights of Liverpool vs. Southampton
FULLTIME: Liverpool’s top-four aspirations are much brighter after their win at Anfield.
Southampton falls into the bottom three and needs a strong second half.
Che Adams jumps for a bouncing ball in the Liverpool box, but Van Dijk tips it to Alisson.
Anfield isn’t as raucous as you’d expect in the dying minutes as the visitors strive for a goal to set up an exciting finish.
77th minute: Southampton almost scores.
Alisson palms away Adams’ header from a Maitland-Niles cross.
Liverpool’s advantage may appear secure on paper, but Southampton has opportunities and a goal here would be nerve-wracking.
64th minute: Three big opportunities.
Alisson denies Elyounoussi from close range, then Bella-Kotchap blocks Salah’s one-on-one.
Alisson saves again after Edozie is played in behind.
58th minute: Walcott, Maitland-Niles, and Edozie replace Armstrongs and Caleta-Car for Southampton.
Liverpool had dominated since Southampton’s equaliser.
46th minute: Liverpool resuming play.
Liverpool leads 3-1 at halftime.
Darwin Nunez played well for the hosts, who earned their lead.
Goal! Liverpool’s Nunez double.
The Uruguayan finishes a low Robertson cross after Firmino sends him in down the left.
30th minute: Bazunu saves Southampton.
The Irishman denies Firmino following Nunez’s clever flick after more superb Liverpool play.
GOAL! Nunez scores for Liverpool.
The Uruguayan bends his stride before catching Elliott’s dink and passing past Bazunu. He’s hot for the Reds.
16th minute: Liverpool nearly scores.
Bazunu saves a low cross from Nunez to Salah’s back post.
9m: GOAL! Visitors react immediately!
Ward-inswinging Prowse’s left-wing free-kick sets up Adams for a header beyond Alisson.
Goal! Firmino scores for Liverpool.
The Brazilian headers a Robertson free-kick beautifully into the far corner.
Southampton kickoff.
Manchester City lost 2-1 against Brentford in today’s early kickoff. Normally, that would help Liverpool in the championship chase, but not this season.
Ibrahima Konate, Jordan Henderson, Calvin Ramsay, and Curtis Jones are out for Liverpool.
Soon we’ll see Nathan Jones’ first Southampton team.
Will he keep the Luton back five? Or change his team?
Welcome to The Sporting News’ Liverpool vs. Southampton live coverage.
The hosts will be anxious for a win before the World Cup break to set up a second-half charge on the top four. The Saints want to impress new manager Nathan Jones.
Where is Jurgen Klopp?
Jurgen Klopp won’t coach Liverpool against Southampton on Saturday.
Southampton kickoff.
Manchester City lost 2-1 against Brentford in today’s early kickoff. Normally, that would help Liverpool in the championship chase, but not this season.
Ibrahima Konate, Jordan Henderson, Calvin Ramsay, and Curtis Jones are out for Liverpool.
Soon we’ll see Nathan Jones’ first Southampton team.
Will he keep the Luton back five? Or change his team?
Welcome to The Sporting News’ Liverpool vs. Southampton live coverage.
The hosts will be anxious for a win before the World Cup break to set up a second-half charge on the top four. The Saints want to impress new manager Nathan Jones.
Where is Jurgen Klopp?
Jurgen Klopp won’t coach Liverpool against Southampton on Saturday.
Moore in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/