Liverpool 4-0 Southampton: Salah brace sees overwhelming Reds go 22 pts clear

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah were on target as Liverpool opened up a 22-point lead over Manchester City.

Match Reports

Mohamed Salah scored twice as runaway leaders Liverpool produced a second-half surge to seal a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp's world champions racked up a 16th consecutive Premier League triumph - and 24th from 25 top-flight games this season - with Salah striking twice in the last 18 minutes.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring in the 47th minute against his former club, unleashing a low drive past Alex McCarthy, before Jordan Henderson doubled their lead on the hour mark.

Salah produced a sweet finish for his first in the 72nd minute and showed his composure again at the death to send the Reds 22 points clear of second-place Manchester City, who travel to Tottenham on Sunday.

EPL Standings

Match Events

20' Salah's shot wide out

WIDE! Oxlade-Chamberlain works Alexander-Arnold's cross into the path of Salah on the edge of the box. The forward works an opening at goal, only to see his strike deflected wide by Ward-Prowse.

27' CLOSE! Alisson denies Djenepo’s effort

Long knocks the ball back to Djenepo to strike at goal from distance on his left foot. He connects well with his strike, but Alisson gets across to palm it behind. It was too powerful for the Liverpool keeper to hold.

32' Van Dijk's backheel shot denied

Van Dijk latches on to a cross from Alexander-Arnold at the back post and he tries to flick an effort towards the net. McCarthy spreads himself and makes the block, but the rebound falls to Salah. He shoots on the half-volley, but the Southampton keeper is there again with a save.

39' Alexander-Arnold's free kick denied

Alexander-Arnold lines up the free-kick, only to see his effort diverted behind for a corner by Bednarek in the wall.

45' Alisson makes a decent save

Ings breaks behind the Liverpool defence, but Alisson is sharp off his line and does enough to force him wide to concede only a corner. The Reds are under pressure at the back.

47' GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Southampton (Oxlade-Chamberlain)

Reds break down the left and Firmino works the ball to Oxlade-Chamberlain. There's still work to do as the midfielder cuts in from the left flank and opens up space for a strike. He sends a firm strike towards the bottom-left corner and it travels through a crowd of players to beat an unsighted McCarthy.

54' OFFSIDE! Salah’s goal disallowed

Firmino releases the run of Salah behind the Southampton defence and he slots his effort past McCarthy, only to see the offside flag raised against him. VAR confirms the decision.

60' GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Southampton (Henderson)

The Reds get a vital second goal to provide a sense of security in the game. A hopeful long ball forward from Alexander-Arnold finds Firmino in space on the left flank. He runs into the box before squaring the ball for Henderson. The Liverpool captain picks his spot and drills his attempt past McCarthy.

72' GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Southampton (Salah)

Alisson kicks the ball deep down the right flank and Henderson pursues. He guides the ball over the top for Salah in the inside channel. He angles himself to strike on his left foot and beats the Southampton keeper with his effort.

78' CHANCE! Firmino's shot stopped by McCarthy

Keita releases the run of Firmino in the box and the Brazilian tries to slot his effort under McCarthy, but the keeper makes the block.

90' GOAL! Liverpool 4-0 Southampton (Salah)

Liverpool have their fourth goal as Salah bundles an effort home from close range. He starts the move by releasing Firmino into the right inside channel. The Brazilian tries to get the better of Stephens and does enough to poke the ball back to his team-mate. Salah's strike deflects off Stephens and back onto himself before rolling over the line.

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