Liverpool 2-0 Southampton: Klopp’s side close on top four

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara says Jurgen Klopp’s men will continue to “fight for the little miracle.” After scoring his first goal for the club in a win over Southampton, to make it to the Champions League.

A victory that puts pressure on fourth place in Leicester City lost 4-2 to Newcastle United on Friday.

The team Klopp’s men took full advantage of Leicester’s defeat by moving between six points in the top four. They have a game in hand for the Foxes.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring against his former team, heading home in Mohamed Salah‘s time. After Alisson made two save in quick succession.

Alisson gave Southampton a chance to equalize late in the game as he headed straight for Che Adams. But the Brazilian goalkeeper adjusted by saving the Scottish striker’s ball.

Spanish midfielder Thiago then scored his first Reds goal to give Klopp his 100th victory at Anfield in all competitions.

It will also be a pleasure for the German manager to have his side get a clean sheet even though the inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams make up their team of defenders.

“There are very few chances. We can deal with our situation,” Thiago told BBC Sport about his hopes for the top four.

“Most importantly, three points. We were in control of the game and created a lot. If you can help on purpose, it’s more than welcome.”

Southampton is still unsafe in relegation. But their Premier League status could be protected as West Bromwich Albion and Fulham play their games later this weekend.

Liverpool Return to form at Anfield.

After playing at home for the past three seasons, defending the Liverpool title has dropped dramatically. With the loss of six top-flight games at Anfield for the first time in 67 years.

But despite winning just one win in their last ten home games. They got off to a good start against Southampton. 

Salah double-checked Fraser Forster early, and Diogo Jota fired straight at the former England goalkeeper.

Liverpool stand-in captain Georginio Wijnaldum also headed up a corner across the corner. Santa’s break led to Alisson making an empty save for Adams. And Nathan Redmond shot him straight from the crossbar.

After 40 seconds, Mane, who Senegal beat, rose above Kyle Walker-Peters to head home Salah’s cross. Surprisingly, it was the first time the strikers had shared a goal in the Premier League this season.

Nathan Tella headed straight for Alisson just before half-time. And after Adams turned down his chance late. 

Replacement Roberto Firmino fed up with Thiago to win the 20-yard strike in the lower corner.

Great experience for a protective duo

Phillips and Williams became 20 Liverpool defenders in the middle of the injury season when they were beaten at home by Fulham on March 7.

Williams has not started since then, but Turkish defenders Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies. They have been playing since signing in January. And have been denied “physical problems,” the 20-year-old reunited with Phillips, 24.

At this point, the institution’s products looked more secure than Cottagers. Williams has secured more space than any other Liverpool player (eight), Phillips made more concessions (five).

They wouldn’t be wrong for Adams’ first chance as they were left exposed with a break that allowed Tella to run smoothly.

And while they were lost when Tella woke up unopposed in her head before halfway through. Alisson was the worst offender when Adams had to equalize in the second half.

The visitors have probably come in behind Liverpool’s defense more often than manager Klopp would have liked. But there is no doubt that his inexperienced defense team will have learned a lot from high-profile airplanes.

Phillips, in particular, has been well-regarded for the injury of three Liverpool defenders. And if he could help his side clean up more of their last four games. They could save something in a sad campaign.

The Saints felt the absence of Ings.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl had tears in his eyes after Southampton beat Liverpool in a back-to-back. Match on January 4, a victory that lifted them to sixth place on the table.

The only two wins in the league since then have left the Saints looking over their shoulders. And this recent defeat shows a key area where they are lacking.

They made ample chances to get something out of the game. And their substitute Ibrahima Diallo bit Alisson’s palms in the second half volley.

But with the continued absence of top scorer Danny Ings. They struggled to find the finishing touches.

While they hope the England striker will return before the end of the season. He is likely to have more to pay him in the summer,

While the Saints may hold on to their prized possession, Hasenhuttl may feel the need to be reassured in advance if they are to avoid misconduct in the coming term.

‘Top Four is not impossible.’

The Liverpool team manager Jurgen Klopp told BBC Sport: “They are well organized and they do have a strong style of play. They have had their moments. We have set ourselves a great opportunity, but we deserve three points.

“We got a magnificent first goal. But it’s normal for us now not to finish the game early. So we had to stay in the game and score an amazing second goal is a great relief.”

When we were in the race for the top four: “We’re kind. It’s impossible, but it’s hard. We’ll try and see where we get to.”

The Southampton team manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told BBC Sport: “The difference was that they have scored and we didn’t. I think we probably had more chances – clear chances – than they did.

“The way we wanted to play was good. We created good chances; we tried to build on the line. And we were brave, as you have to face a great team.

“We were cool until the last third and when the dating was over. Here’s what you need to have when you’re facing a team like this.”