Thiago excels: 5 things we learned as Liverpool beat Southampton 2-0

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Liverpool beat Southampton 2-0 on Saturday evening. It was a huge win as the Reds try to secure a top four finish.

Klopp goes direct

Jurgen Klopp had to make a couple of changes from his planned XI to face Manchester United. Both Ozan Kabak and James Milner had knocks for this one, so in came Rhys Williams and Gini Wijnaldum.

But he also made one change he didn’t have to – Roberto Firmino made way for Diogo Jota. It led to a very direct Liverpool front-three that constantly looked to drive at the Southampton back line.

A sign of things to come? Liverpool are chasing maximum points over the last few games and Klopp may go all-out attack to do so.

Finding form

And on that note, the front-three looked more cohesive than they have for some time. The goal was the best example of that.

Mohamed Salah put his head up to clip a wonderful cross to the back post. Sadio Mane was there to head home after taking up a great position. It was, quite incredibly, the first time one set up the other this season.

But that was only one example. A brilliant Mane backheel put Jota through early on, while the Portuguese forward put Salah one-on-one with a long pass not long after.

It’s great to see. The attack has been a real worry in 2021 but they may finally be getting it together.

Fabinho experiment over?

Fabinho has played an incredible number of games in defence this season. He went into the season as the fourth-choice there, with the injury crisis thrusting him into first-choice before long.

And despite the January reinforcements, we’ve seen the Brazilian move back there when needed. But not today.

With Ozan Kabak out, the chance was there to move Fabinho back. Instead, Klopp pulled in Williams. It looks as though the experiment may be done, then.

And that’s probably a good thing. With Jordan Henderson out, Liverpool need Fabinho in midfield.

Alisson importance

Liverpool like to play a high line and have had plenty of success doing so. It’s much harder, however, without players suited to the role.

Williams and Nat Phillips aren’t quick at all, leaving Liverpool’s line quite vulnerable at times if the opponent attacks with pace. Southampton tried to do just that.

And it worked. The Saints got in behind quite a few times. Fortunately, Liverpool had Alisson there.

The Brazilian was fantastic coming off his line quickly and he continuously shut down balls in behind. Yes, he had some shaky moments but Liverpool needed him today in order to execute their gameplan.

Thiago, Thiago, Thiago

Thiago was fantastic in that first half with his passing. He slowed down in the second but then wrapped up the win with a fine goal.

We continue to be encouraged, then, that the more things settle, the better Thiago will be. He’s yet to play in a truly settled Liverpool side, after all.

But with Fabinho behind him and a set of forwards who appear to be finding form, the best is coming out. Hopefully, this was just the start of truly seeing his best.

Liverpool 2-0 Southampton

Applause all around for this one. Liverpool needed a win and got it with a solid display.

Perfect? No, but Liverpool got the job done in the way they needed. Four more of these and we truly believe they’ll leapfrog Leicester City.