Winners and losers as Southampton stun Liverpool and Salah struggles again
Liverpool handed Manchester United the initiative in the title race, as they were beaten 1-0 after a tactically brilliant performance from Southampton at St Mary's.
While the majority of the nation had their eyes on the Prime Minister’s announcement, the hosts got off to a fast start, opening the scoring after just two minutes.
It was former Liverpool striker Danny Ings who put the Saints in front with a delicate lob over Alisson following a James Ward Prowse free-kick.
Southampton looked good value for their lead throughout the opening 45, before sitting in and allowing the visitors to dominate the ball in the second half.
But despite masses of possession, Jurgen Klopp's side failed to really test Fraser Forster, as Liverpool dropped even more points in their chase to retain the Premier League.
Winners
Danny Ings
The England international's time at England was blighted by injuries, but it must still a major source of regret that he failed to make the grade at Anfield.
He has of course, completely rebuilt his career on the south coast to become one of the most feared strikers in the country.
The delightful opener, his 50th Premier League goal, showed all of his qualities, with his anticipation allowing him to take a chance few others would even try.
Jamie Carragher
The Liverpool legend was engaged in a little war of words with Klopp at the start of the season over the German's decision to not sign a centre-back.
Klopp angrily hit back at claims at the time, but with a central defensive pairing of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at St Mary's, his point looks a very prevalent one.
During an impressive first-half display by the Saints, Liverpool looked shaky at the back and it is becoming even more apparent a signing must be made before the end of this month.
Diogo Jota
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The impact the former Wolves forward has made on the Liverpool squad was clear to see, but in his absence, it has perhaps became even more pertinent.
Jota's white-hot start to his Anfield career has been halted by a knee injury and what would Liverpool would have done to be able to throw the Portuguese on.
With the first choice attacking trio struggling, Jota could have provided an extra spark, his welcome will be greeted by all on Merseyside.
Losers
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The right-back was completely caught out by Ward Prowse's quick free-kick and then compounded his error by attempting an awkward looking clearance that allowed Ings through on goal.
Even going forward, his passing was off the mark, giving the ball away a staggering 38 times. A miserable night at the office for Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool's front three
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When the Reds whacked Crystal Palace 7-0 last month, few would have envisaged just weeks later, a discussion about their struggles going forward.
But in the three games since, Klopp's men have scored just once and despite all of the ball in the second half, threatened to carve out too many clear-cut chances.
Mohamed Salah in particular looks way out of sorts and failed to have any influence on the game, the break that the FA Cup will now provide may come in handy to give some of their stars a welcome rest.
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