Liverpool closed to within two points of second-placed Manchester United with a comfortable 2-0 victory at relegation-haunted Southampton on Sunday.
Roberto Firmino fired Liverpool ahead after seven minutes, after being set up by Mohamed Salah, and the Egyptian struck shortly before half-time as the visitors eased to the three points.
Liverpool, who featured three former Southampton players in their starting line-up and also brought on former Saints Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren late on, were in total control.
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They could have added more in the second half as the hosts offered precious little.
Liverpool now have 54 points to Manchester United’s 56 with Tottenham Hotspur on 52 and champions Chelsea, who play bottom club West Bromwich Albion on Monday, on 50.
The situation is a reflection of the competition as the battle for 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League spots hots up.
Southampton are third from bottom, a point behind 17th-placed Huddersfield Town who beat Bournemouth 4-1 earlier on Sunday.
(NAN)
