Jurgen Klopp has said that Friday night’s 3-1 win over Southampton was a ‘perfect result’ as Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League.
Shane Long gave the hosts an early lead following some rare defensive frailty at the back from Liverpool, but the teams went into the break all square after Naby Keita scored his first goal for the club since his big-money move last summer.
While Southampton held on for as long as they could, a fine solo goal from Mohamed Salah in the 80th minute put the Reds in front before Jordan Henderson rounded off the scoring late on to move the Merseysiders back above Man City to the top of the Premier League.
Speaking after the game, Jurgen Klopp admitted that it was a difficult game down at St. Mary’s, but praised the influence of second-half substitutes, James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
“I knew it would be difficult. Southampton have been well-organised. We scored two wonderful goals,” Klopp told BBC Sport.
“The season is intense for everyone. You have an opportunity to make really good changes – Milner and Henderson helped. They were aggressive in a really important way. You could see them pushing the boys.
“Southampton had to suffer in the second half because of the first-half tempo. Difficult away game, 3-1 is a perfect result.
“What a goal [from Salah]. He couldn’t pass because Firmino couldn’t get into the right position. The defender could not concentrate on Mo. Wow, what a goal. A good moment. Naby Keita’s first goal for the club in a crucial moment.”
