Southampton 0-2 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah strikes again in comfortable win

After half-a-dozen games without defeat, Southampton were run ragged by a Liverpool side that didn’t even put much effort into the second half.

Goals in the first half from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool on their way, and with Manchester United losing earlier in the day it means the Reds are now just two points their rivals in second.

The Saints meanwhile have slipped down to 18th with the loss, with just 11 games left to save their season. Southampton supporters however will take some comfort from the fact that just four points separate them and Watford in 11th.

But it was another disappointing performance from Mauricio Pellegrino’s side, who failed to capitalize on a host of chances, with James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg both having golden opportunities which need to be taken against bigger teams.

But for the fans, a lot of the blame fell once again on Pellegrino’s shoulders for poor decision-making. Despite Liverpool being fragile at the back as of late, the Argentine got rid of all naturally pacey players and instead played long ball, despite Liverpool’s centre-backs being six-foot-five and six-foot-four respectively.

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Liverpool were off the mark before the game even began, with Roberto Firmino set clean through into space and calmly dispatching past a stranded Alex McCarthy – it was the Brazillian’s 21st goal of the campaign.

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The Merseyside outfit remained the dominant side throughout the first half but the Saints were not without their own chances, only for all momentum to be quashed as Mohamed Salah scored in the 42nd minute.

The Egyptian international was sent one-on-one by a delightful backheel by eventual Man of the Match Firmino, with the flick taking out three Saints players to leave Salah with the simple job of curling it rounf McCarthy.

All in all, the English goalie had a respectable game despite conceding twice, making a couple of good saves to keep the contest alive.

However, Guido Carrillo had little-to-no support up top and made just 22 passes all game – the lowest of any Southampton starter. The Argentine had just one shot all game – which was on target – meaning his lack of goals since his record move cannot be scrutinized.

Next up for the Saints is their FA Cup fifth round match-up with West Bromwich Albion – Southampton will be looking for three wins against the Baggies this season. After that is an away trip to Burnley in the league.