Mohamed Salah scored a brilliant solo goal as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton at St Mary’s and return to the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool were in danger of dropping vital points with the score level at 1-1 with 10 minutes remaining, before Salah clinically ended his run of six league games without a goal.
With Southampton defenders backing off, the Egyptian ran half the length of the pitch before firing past Angus Gunn with his left foot.
Liverpool substitute Jordan Henderson sealed victory late on with a close-range finish.
Shane Long had handed Saints an early lead with a composed strike from inside the area but Naby Keita headed the visitors level with his first goal for the club before the break.
The result sees Liverpool leapfrog Manchester City yet again – the 25th time the lead has changed hands this season, the joint second-highest number in the English top flight in the post-World War Two era.
The Red have a two-point gap at the top, although defending champions City have a game in hand with six matches left to play.
Southampton remain in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have the best away record in the league but they got off to a poor start when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s flick-on found an unmarked Long to finish well inside the area.
Southampton executed their game plan well after taking the lead by defending deep as Liverpool attempted to play through them.
Their biggest threat came from wide areas and the right foot of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who delivered a sensational cross for Keita to convert off the back of Jannik Vestergaard.
The Reds continued to dominate the ball after the break with 70% possession but they were limited to just one shot on target before Salah struck his 50th Premier League goal in 69 appearances.
Only Alan Shearer and Ruud van Nistelrooy have reached the landmark in fewer matches.
Salah was influential as Liverpool secured three points in injury time against Tottenham in their last outing, and their persistence in the latter stages of matches is no fluke.
Liverpool have scored 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season, more than any other side, and they have also won a league-leading 16 points from losing positions.
If the Reds are to deliver a first league title since 1990, their undying spirit at the death could tip the balance in their favour.
Culled From BBC
