Liverpool vs. Southampton result, highlights and analysis as Darwin Nunez double downs Saints1

In Nathan Jones' first game in command of the Saints, Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-1 to end the World Cup break on a winning note. Roberto Firmino's free-kick header gave the Reds the advantage in the sixth minute, but Che Adams immediately tied the score.

Liverpool vs Southampton result

Liverpool - 3 Southampton - 1

Goals: LIV: Firmino (6th min) SOU: Adams (9th min) LIV: Nunez (21st min) LIV: Nunez (42nd min)

Alisson heroics make for comfortable win

You might be excused for thinking that Liverpool had a routine afternoon at Anfield after seeing today's 3-1 scoreline. But the Reds found this to be anything but an easy game, and they ended up sort of hanging on after Southampton put on a strong second half performance.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

All done at Anfield, and Liverpool enters the World Cup break in much better shape in terms of their chances of finishing in the top four. Southampton, whose season was cut short, drops into the bottom three and needs a strong second half.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

Che Adams dives for a bouncing ball in the Liverpool area in the 90th minute, but Van Dijk is in control and nods the ball back into Alisson's hands.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

The home team is pushing the hardest for a goal that would set up a spectacular finish to the game in the 85th minute, so Anfield isn't nearly as raucous as you'd anticipate in these closing minutes.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

In the 77th minute, Southampton comes so close to scoring their goal! Adams' header from Maitland-Niles' inch-perfect cross appeared to be heading in for a goal until Alisson reached out with a strong hand to deflect it.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

46th minute: Liverpool restarts the match, and play is back in motion. HALFTIME: Liverpool leads 3-1 at the end of the first half at Anfield. The hosts are deserving of their advantage because Darwin Nunez played one of his best games in a red shirt so far.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

Goal at 42 minutes! Nunez scores a goal for Liverpool. The Uruguayan completes another straightforward finish after Firmino plays him in down the left side and he slides in to convert a low Robertson cross.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

16th minute: Liverpool comes close to taking the lead once more. Nunez escapes down the left side and throws a beautiful low cross directly into Salah's path at the back stick, but Bazunu is down to make an outstanding save.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

9th minute - GOAL! The guests responded right away! From Southampton's left, Ward-Prowse delivers an excellent inswinging free kick, setting up Adams for a straightforward header past Alisson.

Liverpool vs. Southampton as it happened, highlights

Goal in the sixth minute! Firmino's head-in gives Liverpool the early advantage. Although it's hardly the strongest header you'll ever see, the Brazilian superbly heads a Robertson free-kick into the far corner.

Liverpool vs. Southampton lineups

On their return to Premier League play, Liverpool make 10 changes from their midweek EFL Cup victory over Derby County, but they are without two key players. Jordan Henderson is absent due to personal obligations, while Ibrahima Konate is out due to a minor injury. Calvin Ramsay and Curtis Jones are notable bench omissions.