Thiago scores his first goal for Liverpool and keeps the Champions League dream alive

The chances for the Champions League spot are slim, but the dream still lives on. The Reds fought hardly for the win against the officially worst Premier League team in 2021, but Jurgen Klopp won’t be too picky: Liverpool – Southampton 2-0.

It was another nerve wrecking game for the current Premier League champions as they played excellent in the first half, scored the goal, but then totally failed in attempt to secure the game and scored only one more against the league’s worst defense (40 goals in 2021). With new three points from this match, Jurgen Klopp’s men are still six points below fourth place Leicester, but they have a game in hand.

First half brought some great chances, and unfortunately only one ended with a goal. Liverpool took complete control early on, and from the 15th minute, it was just a matter of time. Salah (twice), Philips and Jota all had their chance in the space of five minutes and Wijnaldum had the best chance, but his shot striked the bar. All these misses were nearly punished when Saints had a quick counter attack and almost scored, but Alisson made a great effort to deny Che Adams. Minute later, it was 1-0. Salah head a great cross and Sadio Mane scored one of his rare headers for the lead. Redmond combined with Tella for another Saints chance near the end of the second half, but the shot was not so precise. 

The second half was a star contrast to the first part of the game, as Southampton looked to prevent the second goal, while Liverpool full backs were aware of the possible counterattacks from the guests so they became a bit conservative. The result – a lullaby with a few real chances. Liverpool wanted to secure the win by at least one more goal, with a draw against Newcastle still fresh in their minds, but just couldn’t do it until the very end. As the game went on, Southampton were more and more serious, creating chances with pace and targeting Ryan Williams. In the end, even the steady Allison started to become nervous and almost secured a point to Southampton, but Che Adams failed to score (again). The Saints have only themselves to blame for not taking a point in this match, and Thiago Alcantara scored it’s first goal in Liverpool shirt to secure the win.

With WBA, Burnley and Crystal Palace coming up for the Reds, along with the Man United derby, Liverpool must secure at least nine points and hope that Leicester continue with their bad form.

PREMIER LEAGUE - ROUND 35

Friday

Leicester - Newcastle 2-4 (0-2)

/Albrighton 80, Iheanacho 87 - Willock 22, Dummett 34, Wilson 64, 73/

Saturday

Leeds - Tottenham 3-1 (2-1)

/Dallas 13, Bamford 42, Rodrigo 84 - Son 25/

Sheffield United - Crystal Palace 0-2 (0-1)

/Benteke 2, Eze 88/

Manchester City - Chelsea 1-2 (1-0)

/Sterling 44 - Ziyech 63, Alonso 90+3/

Liverpool - Southampton 2-0 (1-0)

/Mane 31, Thiago 90/

Sunday

14.00: Wolves - Brighton

16.05: Aston Villa - Manchester United

18.30: West Ham - Everton

21.00: Arsenal - West Brom

Monday

22.00: Fulham - Burnley