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Liverpool returned to winning ways after three consecutive draws, as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Southampton in their Premier League fixture. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 31st minute and Thiago doubled their lead right before injury time.
While the hosts earned the three points from the game, the fixture was far from being a one-sided affair. Southampton threatened occasionally, and by the time the final whistle was blown, they had matched the Reds for shots on target.
While the attackers usually steal the show for Liverpool, their goalkeeper Alisson was on fire and produced some brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.
The Saints squandered a couple of clear goalscoring chances in the first half. They did not work upon improving their final touch, which proved to be their undoing in this fixture.
With Liverpool earning crucial points to stay in the race for a Champions League qualification spot, we take a look at the five talking points from the game.
#5 Southampton's dismal away record continues
Southampton suffered yet another defeat on their travels in the English top-flight. They have the worst defensive record in away games in the Premier League, having conceded 42 goals so far.
Tonight, despite Fraser Forster making good saves in the early stages of the game, Southampton conceded two more goals. The first one was a beautifully crafted goal with Mo Salah providing an inch-perfect cross to Sadio Mane, who scored a rare header.
Thiago was not having a great game and was often dispossessed, especially in his own half, but displayed finesse to score his first goal for the hosts.
#4 Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams continue to impress defensively for Liverpool
Liverpool's injury crisis has been a problem for them this season. Their defensive pillar in Virgil van Dijk has not returned to the fold yet and Joe Gomez is also currently in recovery.
The injury to recent signing Ozan Kabak has further reduced their options, but this has also provided an opportunity for two young defenders in Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.
The duo have been very reliable at the back and tonight, they were again on top of their game. What they lacked in experience they made up for in their physical display and intelligent positioning. They still have a lot to learn but if tonight's performance is any indicator of things to come, Jurgen Klopp can rely on the duo for the remaining games of the season.
Also See: The 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world
#3 Alisson produces a Man of the Match performance for Liverpool
Alisson had answers to everything that Southampton's attackers produced tonight and was rightly awarded Liverpool's Man of the Match award for his scintillating performances.
He made six saves tonight and was always quick off his line to bravely face the incoming attackers. He denied Che Adams in the first half and displayed great presence of mind to deny Michael Obafemi later.
It was his first clean sheet in four league games. Alisson's the return of form was a good sign for Klopp and his men, who need everyone to step up in this final leg of the season to secure a Champions League spot.
#2 Sadio Mane scores his first league goal at Anfield since December
Sadio Mane hasn't hit goalscoring heights this season but has found the back of the net nine times in the Premier League. He is Liverpool's second-highest goal-scorer this season and was their best attacking threat tonight.
Mane looked dangerous from the get-go and was involved in a couple of half-chances in the early stages of the game. He was often selfless and passed when he could've gone for glory himself.
He finally found the back of the net thanks to a great pass from his strike partner Mo Salah. This was the first occasion the two prolific forwards had combined this season. The header also marked Mane's first goal at Anfield in 2021.
#1 Liverpool still in contention for a Champions League qualification spot
Liverpool secured crucial points from their game tonight. While a top-four finish might be a far stretch for them at the moment, the various permutations and combinations can lead to a scenario where the 2019 Champions League winners qualify for the Champions League.
As per rules, there can only be a maximum of five English teams in the competition. With Chelsea and Manchester City in this season's final, one team is sure to qualify for the next campaign.
Manchester United are also in the Europa League final and could gain automatic qualification into the competition. So, all Liverpool need to do at the moment is to earn enough points to finish fifth in the standings, which will at least give them a chance to make it into the group stage of the competition, via the play-offs.
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