Mirror
Diogo Jota was at the double as Liverpool thrashed Southampton to reaffirm their Premier League title credentials on Saturday afternoon.
The Portugal forward got on the end of Andy Robertson’s cross to open the scoring just two minutes into the match before Mohamed Salah teed him up to double the lead shortly after the half-hour mark.
Thiago’s deflected strike extended the Reds’ advantage late in the first half, while at the other end Alisson made a brilliant save to deny Adam Armstrong.
Virgil van Dijk punished yet more woeful Southampton defending to make it 4-0 from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner early in the second half after Sadio Mane won the set piece with a curling strike which forced the save from Alex McCarthy.
The Anfield faithful rose to their feet to show their appreciation for goalscorers Jota and Thiago as they were substituted off in the second half after world-class performances.
An important three points for Liverpool sees them leapfrog Manchester City into second ahead of the Sky Blues’ clash with high-flying West Ham United on Sunday, while the Saints face slipping further down the bottom half of the table.
Here are five talking points from an emphatic Liverpool victory.
Jota continues to capitalise
Liverpool were rocked by news of Roberto Firmino suffering a hamstring injury Jurgen Klopp described as “serious” in early November.
The Brazilian remains a key cog in the side and there are few forwards around with his unique skillset.
Yet the Reds should not have worried, as they had a brilliant replacement waiting for the opportunity of an extended run in the team.
Jota has had to share minutes with Firmino since his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers last year, but he has been in simply sublime form in recent weeks, a double against Southampton taking his tally to four goals in four games in all competitions.
As well as being in the right place in the right time to tap in his two goals, the 24-year-old frequently dropped deep to influence the game as Mane and Salah drove beyond him.
It was a complete forward’s performance which will have delighted his manager.
Robertson sends timely reminder
The Scotland captain has found himself in the spotlight at times this season when appearing to lack the sharpness and fitness which usually make him such a dependable performer.
There has even been clamour for his deputy, Kostas Tsimikas, to be handed more starts in the Premier League on account of his fine performances when called on.
But Robertson looked back to his best on Saturday afternoon, flying up the left wing to combine with Mane and Jota in advanced areas.
He contributed the assist for Jota’s opener with a precise cross, while Salah and captain Jordan Henderson appeared to make a point of embracing him in the ensuing celebrations.
Robertson’s positioning in the defensive third was also much improved, and few could blame him for struggling with Valentino Livramento’s electric pace from time to time…
