Sadio Mane Sends Unconvincing Liverpool To Top Of The Table

Sadio Mane scored one and provided another for Firmino as Liverpool secured a hard-fought win over Southampton to make it two league wins out of two in the Premier League clash between the two sides at the St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Jurgen Klopp made two changes to the side that started in the Super Cup win over Chelsea with Roberto Firmino and Gini Widjnaldum coming in for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho respectively.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper, Adrian was fit to start despite picking up an ankle injury during Super Cup celebrations. It was Southampton that started brightly, with the Saints having a go at the Reds right from start.

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side had the first chance of the game albeit a half chance when Che Adams ball was too long for Jannik Vestergaard and Maya Yoshida.

The Saints continued to attack Liverpool’s goal and they got close once again through Maya Yoshida but the Japan international could not keep his header low.

The Reds, however, were struggling to create chances with the midfield lacking creativity.  The famous front trio failed to create any real threat as Southampton bossed possession.

But with the first half heading towards a draw, Senegal international, Sadio Mane created a thing of beauty to give Liverpool the lead. The 27-year-old received a pass from Milner before cutting unto his right foot to curl a perfect finish into the net and give Liverpool the lead against his former club.

The second half resumed with both sides showing real urgency but it was Liverpool who had the first chance with Salar spurning a one on one opportunity against Alex Gunn.

Moments later it was Southampton to threaten through former Liverpool boy, Danny Ings, but his shot was just inches over the bar.

Firmino had the chance to seal the victory for Liverpool after Mane’s low cross found him, but he could only drag his effort just wide.

However, he will make amends for the miss minutes later as he doubled his side’s lead to seal victory. After receiving a pass from Mane, the Brazilian international beat a couple of defenders to fire into the net.

Despite being two goals up, Liverpool continued to press forward and could have extended their lead, but Gunn was up to the task to deny Mane and Robertson.

However, against the run of play, Southampton got one back through Danny Ings who capitalized on a mistake from Adrian to set up a nervy finish for Klopp’s team.

But it was not to be for Southampton as Liverpool held on to move to the top of the table pending the time Man City play Tottenham.