Southampton 0-2 Liverpool: Three key takeaways

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Sadio Mane of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton and Mario Lemina of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Sadio Mane of Liverpool runs with the ball under pressure from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton and Mario Lemina of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Poor mistakes cost Saints again

Liverpool set off in the game at a fast pace and surprised a sluggish Saints, but it was ultimately poor defensive play again that saw them concede twice.

First, Wesley Hoedt completely missed the ball when trying to clear downfield and allowed Mohamed Salah space to pick his pass to the onrushing Roberto Firmino for 1-0.

Secondly, a nicely worked Liverpool move led to their second goal, but slack closing down and tracking of runners made the job a whole lot easier for them.

The second goal seemed to completely knock the stuffing out of the Saints team and the result never really looked in doubt after that.