SOUTHAMPTON, United States (REUTERS) - Late goals by Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson earned Liverpool a crucial 3-1 victory at Southampton to move them back to the top of the Premier League on Friday (April 5).
For the second week running Liverpool looked like losing ground on Manchester City in a titanic title race, but once again Juergen Klopp's side would not be denied as they edged a step closer to a first league title since 1990.
With games running out they lead City by two points, although Pep Guardiola's champions have a game in hand.
Locked at 1-1 Liverpool were laying siege to the Southampton goal but it was Salah, who had not scored for eight games, who provided the moment of magic they desperately required in the 80th minute, racing away to score a majestic solo goal.
It was Salah's 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool and six minutes later Henderson, on as a substitute, wrapped it up with a close-range finish.
Shane Long had made it a nail-biting night for Liverpool's massed ranks of supporters when he fired relegation-threatened Southampton ahead in the ninth minute.
But Liverpool recovered from a surprisingly sluggish start and Naby Keita's header, his first goal for the club, levelled the scores before halftime.
Â
Â
Victory lifted Liverpool to 82 points from 33 games, with City on 80 from 32.
"It was very big. Every game is massive. We've got to win every game. I thought we showed great character in the first half," Henderson told Sky Sports.
"It was a big performance in the second half and a big result."
Liverpool needed a stoppage-time winner to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Anfield last weekend and they were forced to do things the hard way again at St Mary's.
They were caught cold early on and Long punished them, calmly firing home after Ryan Bertrand's cross was flicked on.
It could have been worse with Long almost making it 2-0 but Keita's header calmed the nerves in the away ranks.
Liverpool dominated after the break but Southampton defended tenaciously, even if they were lucky when Maya Yoshida appeared to bring down Keita in the penalty area.
With the clock ticking down and Southampton enjoying a brief flurry of pressure, Liverpool broke and Salah drove forward at pace, making around 50 metres without a challenge before firing the ball past Angus Gunn.
Southampton, who remain five points above the drop zone, were flattened and Liverpool were spared any late frights when Roberto Firmino found Henderson who stroked home.
An ecstatic Klopp joined in the celebrations on the pitch with his players who face Chelsea at home next week.
"We have 82 points now, that is massive in this crazy league and everyone is waiting for us. I am really proud. It is incredible," the German said.
Mohamed Salah scored a brilliant solo goal as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton at St Mary's and return to the top of the Premier League. Liverpool were in danger of dropping vital
Liverpool beat Southampton 3-1 to return to top of Premier
Southampton started the evening just five points above the relegation zone at the other end of the table, but had won their past two games as part of a general upturn in form since Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge in December. Liverpool needed more late goals to move top of the Premier League once more
Southampton v Liverpool LIVE STREAM - How to watch Premier
Liverpool needed more late goals to move top of the Premier League once more as Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson struck in the final 10 minutes to earn a 3-1 victory at Southampton on Friday.
Liverpool beat Southampton 3-1 to return to top of Premier
Apr 05, 2019 · Liverpool came from a goal behind to beat Southampton and regain its position at the top of the English Premier League. Liverpool came from a goal behind to beat Southampton and regain its
Southampton vs. Liverpool - Football Match Summary - April 5
Southampton 1-3 Liverpool: Reds return to the top of Premier
Liverpool go top with Salah winner vs. Saints. Mohamed Salah scored a classy winner as Liverpool beat Southampton 3-1 at St Mary's on Friday night to return to the top of the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah scored a classy winner as Liverpool beat Southampton 3-1 at St Mary's on Friday night to return to the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool came into the match sitting one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City in the table as the two runaway leaders continue to battle for the season title.
Liverpool overcome scare to go top of Premier League - CNN
Liverpool back above Man City at the top of the league beating Southampton with a late double strike player in Liverpool history to get to 50 Premier League goal. Friday night football
Southampton vs. Liverpool - Football Match Report - April 5
Liverpool will hope to pile the pressure on Man City by beating Southampton and returning to the top of the Premier League this evening. Live from St. Mary's, Friday Night Football returns to Sky
Liverpool beat Chelsea to return top of Premier League
Southampton 1-3 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's side return to top of Premier League after tough test at St Mary's as Liverpool reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat
Liverpool back above Man City at the top of the league
Goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League after a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday in manager Jurgen Klopp's 200th game in charge.
Southampton 1-3 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's side return to top
No comments:
Post a Comment