LIVERPOOL ENHANCED THEIR UEFA Champions League qualification prospects with a 2-0 Premier League win at Southampton.
Philippe Coutinho scored a magnificent long-range opener amid a frantic start when the home team had a pair of strong penalty appeals turned down.
Southampton enjoyed sustained periods of pressure, but Liverpool’s defence managed to hold firm, leaving Raheem Sterling to double their advantage in the 73rd minute.
The result moves Liverpool, unbeaten in the league since mid-December, up to sixth in the table – a point behind their opponents and two shy of Manchester United in fourth.
Filip Djuricic was handed a first start in attack for Southampton, who welcomed back left-back Matt Targett and midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
A hip injury to Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho meant Dejan Lovren joined Adam Lallana in starting against his former club, while Sterling replaced Daniel Sturridge.
Djuricic was immediately into the action, going down under pressure from Emre Can in the penalty area after 20 seconds, but referee Kevin Friend was unmoved.
Liverpool responded to that uncertain opening by stylishly grabbing a third-minute lead when Lazar Markovic fed the ball to Coutinho, who netted superbly from 30 yards via the underside of the crossbar.
http://vine.co/v/OQvwZt0UzF5
There was more frustration for Southampton as another challenge on Djuricic inside the box, this time from Joe Allen, went unpunished and Simon Mignolet made a fine save when the loose ball broke to Eljero Elia.
Friend provoked further ire from the home support two minutes before half-time when Mignolet charged down Elia’s effort on the end of a long punt forward from marginally outside his area and was not punished for handball.
The Belgium goalkeeper then beat away a Djuricic strike to ensure Liverpool’s advantage remained intact at half-time.
Having seen his defence under sustained pressure, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers sent on Alberto Moreno in place of Markovic at left wing-back, while Morgan Schneiderlin replaced Steven Davis for Southampton.
Graziano Pelle scuffed wide from 20 yards following a slick passing move as the hosts remained on the front foot.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman introduced Sadio Mane in place of Ward-Prowse and the forward had a shot on the turn blocked by Martin Skrtel as the hour approached.
Sturridge bolstered the Liverpool attack in place of Lallana and some wonderful skill from the England man beat Jose Fonte before he failed to get a shot away.
Rodgers’ men sealed the points when Targett lost his footing in trying to clear Moreno’s low cross and Fraser Forster could only touch Sterling’s firm low strike into the net.
In the closing minutes, Sturridge twice came close to getting his name on the scoresheet as Southampton absorbed their latest setback in a run of one win in four league outings – scoring a solitary goal during this time.
Chelsea fans are an embarrassment saying there is a campaign against them. seriously it’s amazing how mourinho has brainwashed them.
The ‘campaign’ stuff is nonsense alright. Wouldn’t be taking that seriously though
The FA’s rules here are mind-bogglingly stupid. Not surprised that this has happened, the rules are a joke. This kind of rubbish has really put me off watching football in recent seasons.
What the hell was Matic supposed to do in the aftermath of the challenge? Barnes almost snapped his leg in two!
It shouldn’t have been a red, he shouldn’t be banned at all and Barnes should be getting a lengthy ban.
(And to clarify, I’m a Liverpool fan)
“What the Hell was Matic meant to do”???
Obviously not react the way he did which got him a three match ban reduced down to two…..
(Barnes ‘tackle’ is irrelevant in all this)
Regardless of the cause he shouldn’t have reacted with violence. I dont think the ban should have been reduced at all
Costa was banned for the stamp on Skrtel because it is as violent conduct and skrtel didn’t push him to the ground after. If matic had had a normal reaction like skrtel then maybe Barnes would have been punished later
Was banned for stamp on Can, who did react.
my mistake but he didn’t react by running up to Costa and shoving him to the ground
FA called it a “violent response”. As Ger Loughnane said, you’d get worse coming out of Mass on a Sunday!
This is it Thomas, the lack of proportionality in the punishments handed out are a massive part of the problem.
Even if Barnes had been sent off as well, they’d have both got in or around the same length of ban, give or take a game or two. It makes no sense.
I suggest you all take a look at Sean Dyche 10 min interview in relation to the game , he makes some very interesting points with video analysis.
Surprised he got his ban reduced.
Aww, me heart bleeds