A narrow win sends Liverpool one point behind Man City on the league table.
Liverpool defeated Southampton 2-1 in their Premier League game on Tuesday. A dominant performance ensured the Reds would have a chance to clinch the title on the league’s final matchday.
Matip to rescue!
Liverpool came into the game on the back of their win over Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Jurgen Klopp made nine changes to his exhausted lineup, playing with a completely different attacking line.
An opening goal from Nathan Redmond put Southampton ahead only 13th minutes into the game. However, Klopp’s plans paid off when Takumi Minamino scored the equalizer 15 minutes later.
Following a precise pass from Diogo Jota, the Japanese forward smashed the ball behind Alex McCarthy from a tight angle to make it 1-1.
The Reds immediately started their efforts to complete the comeback. However, the hosts kept their defensive integrity throughout the first period.
After the interval, however, the Reds looked much improved as they started to relentlessly attack Southampton’s backline from both flanks.
Klopp’s side finally snatched the winner through Joel Matip’s winner in the 67th minute. The Cameroonian defender headed home a poorly cleared cross from Konstantinos Tsimikas to put the Reds ahead.
Liverpool had several more chances to increase their lead in the final 20 minutes but eventually settled for the narrow win.
Reds hoping for a Gerrard miracle!
Liverpool close the gap to league leaders Manchester City to one point at the top of the Premier League.
Next weekend, the title contenders will face their opponents in the league’s final matchday. Liverpool will host Wolves at Anfield while Man City will face Aston Villa at Etihad.
If the Reds manage to win their home game, it will all come down to Steven Gerrard’s men to stop the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium.
Let’s see if the Liverpool legend can prevent Pep Guardiola’s side from winning the title on Sunday.
Player Ratings
Southampton: McCarthy (6), Stephens (6), Lyanco (7), Salisu (7), Walker-Peters (6), Ward-Prowse (6), Diallo (5), Tella (7), Redmond (7), Elyounoussi (5), Broja (6).
Bench: Armstrong (5), Adams (6), Romeu (6).
Liverpool: Alisson (6), Gomez (5), Matip (7), Konate (7), Tsimikas (6), Jones (7), Milner (7), Elliott (6), Minamino (8), Firmino (7), Jota (7).
Bench: Henderson (7), Keita (6), Origi (6).
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