Nunez double helps Liverpool go into World Cup break on a high

Jurgen Klopp's side recorded a deserved victory in their final Premier League clash before the World Cup break. Southampton started positively, but Liverpool took the lead through Roberto Firmino after six minutes. The Saints equalised through Che Adams in the ninth minute, but the Reds dominated after that. Darwin Nunez struck twice in the first half to make it 3-1 and even though the away side had some chances in the second half, the result was never in doubt. Liverpool move into sixth while Southampton drop into 19th. 

The away side came with a positive mindset and had the first clear opportunity of the game when Adams headed an Elyounoussi cross wide with just two minutes on the clock. However, just a few minutes later, Liverpool took the lead when Andy Robertson's free-kick found the head of Firmino and the ball bounced over goalkeeper Bazunu's hand and into the corner.

Liverpool's lead was short lived though as Southampton got a free-kick of their own and Ward-Prowse's delivery saw Alisson come out of his goal and Adams got there first to head it into an empty net. That goal seemed to wake Liverpool up and from then on, there was no stopping the home side. Mo Salah almost got on the scoresheet in the 16th minute, but he was denied by the goalkeeper and then Nunez restored Liverpool's lead five minutes later.

Southampton failed to clear their lines and Harvey Elliott played a pinpoint pass for Nunez to volley in from just outside the six yard box. Nathan Jones' side were unable to get out of their own half and Firmino was prevented from getting a second on the half hour after Bazunu saved from close range, but a third goal was only a matter of time. 

In the 42nd minute, Nunez struck once again after Firmino picked out Robertson on Southampton's right and he squared for the former Benfica player to tap in from just a few yards out. The goal left Southampton two down at the break and they were unable to come back from it. 

Adam Armstrong was denied by Alisson early in the second half while Salah headed over at the other end before the Saints brought on Walcott, Maitland-Niles and Edozie to try and get back into the contest. The trio made a difference and Edozie very nearly made it 3-2 while Liverpool were still appealing for a penalty on Salah, but Alisson pulled off a terrific stop. 

The rest of the half saw Southampton try and set up a nervy finish from a Liverpool perspective, but the hosts were always comfortable. Che Adams came the closest to scoring again 13 minutes from time, but the victory was never in doubt. In fact, Van Dijk could have netted a fourth for Liverpool on two occasions had his headers not gone wide of the target. 

The victory sees Liverpool move to within five points of the top four while Southampton boss Nathan Jones knows he has to work to do if they are to avoid a relegation battle this season. 

 

November 12, 2022