By Alan Duffy
Southampton 3-1 Liverpool – Premier League – 16th March
A revitalised Liverpool side went into this game with their eye on a Champions League spot, but after losing 3-1 on the south coast, they now find themselves seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, having played two games more.
Southampton, on the other hand, are still battling to avoid relegation and their eagerness to remain in the top tier was there for all to see in an impressive, hard-working performance.
French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, one of the best performers in the Premier League this season in my opinion, opened the scoring after just six minutes, after good work from Jay Rodriguez. By the half-hour mark, the home side had doubled their advantage, this time courtesy of a deflected free-kick from Rickie Lambert.
The Saints had bossed the first-half but just before the break, January-signing Philippe Coutinho popped up to get the Reds back into the game.
After the break, Brendan Rodgers’ men battled to get back on level terms but ultimately it was the home side who score score again, courtesy of Jay Rodriguez on 80 minutes, who finished at the second time of asking.
The win sees the Solent side move seven points clear of danger while Liverpool;s Champions League hopes are all but extinguished.
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Photos: PA