Liverpool proved why they are known as 'mentality monsters' after thrashing Southampton 2-1 despite playing with a second-string playing XI. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made as many as nine changes in the playing XI against Southampton from their FA Cup final against Chelsea last week.

It was a crucial game for Liverpool as they are still pretty much alive in the Premier League title race. It was a must-win situation for Klopp's Reds after Manchester City dropped points in their frustrating 2-2 draw at West Ham, allowing Liverpool to close the gap on top of the table.

Klopp fielded a second-string XI with a number of players, who had not enjoyed regular football this season. Southampton took the lead through a goal from Nathan Redmond in the 13th minute and it looked like Klopp's decision to field a second-string side might have backfired. However, Liverpool came from behind to win the game 2-1 and bag all three points.

Post the game, Klopp was asked about the decision to make a staggering nine changes in the team and the Liverpool boss responded by giving credit to his players. He also compared them to Ferraris stating that they all delivered when called upon despite having not featured regularly.

"After making nine changes, if it didn't work out it was my responsibility, now it worked out it's the boys' responsibility. I thought they did exceptionally well," Klopp said after Liverpool's win.

"I'm so happy about the performance. It was a bit touching. It's like having Ferraris in the garage," he added.

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After Liverpool went behind in the 13th minute, Takumi Minamino equalised for them in the 27th minute before a towering header from Joel Matip secured a thumping 2-1 win for the Reds, who were without the likes of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk among others.

"That Takumi doesn't play more often, that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in outstanding shape and is not part of the squad very often, Harvey (Elliott) didn't play for a long time, Curtis (Jones) didn't play for a long time and all these boys deliver, it's unbelievable," Klopp said lauding his players.

<h2>Liverpool keep Premier League title race alive</h2>

With their 2-1 win over Southampton, Liverpool closed the gap on City at the top and are now only one point behind the league leaders with one game in hand. Manchester City have 90 points to their name and will play Aston Villa in their final game of the season while Liverpool will take on Wolves in their last encounter.

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Liverpool have taken the Premier League title race down the wire with their convincing victory but their fate lies in the hands of Manchester City. If City drop points against Villa, Liverpool can go on to win the Premier League 2021-22 title with a win against Wolves in their last game. However, the chances of City dropping points are slim.

Klopp said it is tough for his players to digest the fact that they might fall short by just one point and end up losing the title to City but they have produced an exceptional fight till the end.

"It is really tough for the boys, but whatever happens this year happens because of this group. It is exceptional and tonight they showed it again," said Klopp.

Liverpool proved why they are known as 'mentality monsters' after thrashing Southampton 2-1 despite playing with a second-string playing XI. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made as many as nine changes in the playing XI against Southampton from their FA Cup final against Chelsea last week.

Liverpool proved why they are known as 'mentality monsters' after thrashing Southampton 2-1 despite playing with a second-string playing XI. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made as many as nine changes in the playing XI against Southampton from their FA Cup final against Chelsea last week. It was a crucial game for Liverpool as they are still pretty much alive in the Premier League title race. It was a must-win situation for Klopp's Reds after Manchester City dropped points in their frustrating 2-2 draw at West Ham, allowing Liverpool to close the gap on top of the table. Klopp fielded a second-string XI with a number of players, who had not enjoyed regular football this season. Southampton took the lead through a goal from Nathan Redmond in the 13th minute and it looked like Klopp's decision to field a second-string side might have backfired. However, Liverpool came from behind to win the game 2-1 and bag all three points. Post the game, Klopp was asked about the decision to make a staggering nine changes in the team and the Liverpool boss responded by giving credit to his players. He also compared them to Ferraris stating that they all delivered when called upon despite having not featured regularly. "After making nine changes, if it didn't work out it was my responsibility, now it worked out it's the boys' responsibility. I thought they did exceptionally well," Klopp said after Liverpool's win. "I'm so happy about the performance. It was a bit touching. It's like having Ferraris in the garage," he added. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe agrees terms with Real Madrid, move likely to be announced after Champions League final After Liverpool went behind in the 13th minute, Takumi Minamino equalised for them in the 27th minute before a towering header from Joel Matip secured a thumping 2-1 win for the Reds, who were without the likes of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk among others. "That Takumi doesn't play more often, that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is in outstanding shape and is not part of the squad very often, Harvey (Elliott) didn't play for a long time, Curtis (Jones) didn't play for a long time and all these boys deliver, it's unbelievable," Klopp said lauding his players. Liverpool keep Premier League title race alive With their 2-1 win over Southampton, Liverpool closed the gap on City at the top and are now only one point behind the league leaders with one game in hand. Manchester City have 90 points to their name and will play Aston Villa in their final game of the season while Liverpool will take on Wolves in their last encounter. Also Read: Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 to take Premier League title race down to the wire Liverpool have taken the Premier League title race down the wire with their convincing victory but their fate lies in the hands of Manchester City. If City drop points against Villa, Liverpool can go on to win the Premier League 2021-22 title with a win against Wolves in their last game. However, the chances of City dropping points are slim. Klopp said it is tough for his players to digest the fact that they might fall short by just one point and end up losing the title to City but they have produced an exceptional fight till the end. "It is really tough for the boys, but whatever happens this year happens because of this group. It is exceptional and tonight they showed it again," said Klopp.

'It's like having Ferraris in garage': Jurgen Klopp after second-string Liverpool thrash Southampton 2-1

Joel Matip`s stooping header gave Liverpool a 2-1 win at Southampton on Tuesday to keep the Premier League title race alive until the final day of the season. The result leaves Liverpool a point behind leaders Manchester City ahead of Sunday`s final round of games when City are at home to Aston Villa and Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.

City have 90 points with Liverpool on 89, meaning that victory for Pep Guardiola`s side against Villa, managed by former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, would secure their fourth league title in five seasons.

Juergen Klopp changed nine of the team who beat Chelsea on penalties in the FA Cup final on Saturday with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah injured but several others rested. Klopp`s choice was looking questionable when Southampton took a 13th-minute lead through a wonderful Nathan Redmond strike after the winger had cut in from the left flank.

Roberto Firmino, who led the line in the absence of Sadio Mane, had a header ruled out for offside as the visitors sought a quick way back into the game.

Liverpool, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28, drew level in the 27th minute with Takumi Minamino, who spent a loan spell with Southampton last season, firing a fierce shot in at the near post.

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Defender Joe Gomez, whose Liverpool career has been hampered by injuries, had to be substituted at the interval after suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury just before the break. The goal had taken the wind out of Southampton`s sails and it was no surprise when Liverpool secured the three points after Kostas Tsimikas`s corner was headed in by Matip in the 67th minute.

It was a weak effort by Southampton and Liverpool had little trouble seeing out the rest of the game and setting up what could be a tense final day. 
James Milner, the 36-year-old utility player who was given a rare start, praised the back-up players for the way they took on the game.

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"The guys are incredible. The guys who may not have played as much but you see it in training every day the level they put in and you can see it when they need to step up," he said.

"It is a special group of players and a special football club. We fight to the end and keep going. All we can do is take it as far as we can," he added.

Joel Matip`s stooping header gave Liverpool a 2-1 win at Southampton on Tuesday to keep the Premier League title race alive until the final day of the season. The result leaves Liverpool a point behind leaders Manchester City ahead of Sunday`s final round of games when City are at home to Aston Villa and Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.

Joel Matip`s stooping header gave Liverpool a 2-1 win at Southampton on Tuesday to keep the Premier League title race alive until the final day of the season. The result leaves Liverpool a point behind leaders Manchester City ahead of Sunday`s final round of games when City are at home to Aston Villa and Liverpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. City have 90 points with Liverpool on 89, meaning that victory for Pep Guardiola`s side against Villa, managed by former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, would secure their fourth league title in five seasons. Juergen Klopp changed nine of the team who beat Chelsea on penalties in the FA Cup final on Saturday with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah injured but several others rested. Klopp`s choice was looking questionable when Southampton took a 13th-minute lead through a wonderful Nathan Redmond strike after the winger had cut in from the left flank. Roberto Firmino, who led the line in the absence of Sadio Mane, had a header ruled out for offside as the visitors sought a quick way back into the game. Liverpool, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28, drew level in the 27th minute with Takumi Minamino, who spent a loan spell with Southampton last season, firing a fierce shot in at the near post. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe agrees terms with Real Madrid, move likely to be announced after Champions League final Defender Joe Gomez, whose Liverpool career has been hampered by injuries, had to be substituted at the interval after suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury just before the break. The goal had taken the wind out of Southampton`s sails and it was no surprise when Liverpool secured the three points after Kostas Tsimikas`s corner was headed in by Matip in the 67th minute. It was a weak effort by Southampton and Liverpool had little trouble seeing out the rest of the game and setting up what could be a tense final day. James Milner, the 36-year-old utility player who was given a rare start, praised the back-up players for the way they took on the game. Also Read: WAGatha Christie: Coleen Rooney's lawyer claims Rebekah Vardy's agent leaked stories on her behalf "The guys are incredible. The guys who may not have played as much but you see it in training every day the level they put in and you can see it when they need to step up," he said. "It is a special group of players and a special football club. We fight to the end and keep going. All we can do is take it as far as we can," he added.

Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 to take Premier League title race down to the wire

Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool are suffering a "rusty moment" after a 1-0 defeat at Southampton extended the defending champions' winless run in the Premier League to three games.

Danny Ings's stunning second-minute goal earned three points which moved Southampton into sixth and led to Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl breaking into tears of joy on the final whistle.

Liverpool remain top of the table on goal difference over Manchester United, but have now played a game more than the Red Devils, who they face in their next league game at Anfield on January 17.

"That's a rusty moment we have to admit it," said Klopp, whose side last failed to win in three straight Premier League games back in May 2018.

"Only if you know the problem can you solve the problem, we are not blind. We have to fight and play through this."

A first league defeat in three months may hasten Liverpool's search for a centre-back in the January transfer window.

Without the injured Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, Klopp started two of his first-choice midfielders from their title-winning campaign, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, together at the heart of his defence.

Southampton had not scored in their last three games to temper their hopes of a push for European football, but took just two minutes to break the deadlock in style through former Liverpool striker Ings.

Trent Alexander-Arnold did not deal with James Ward-Prowse's angled free-kick into the box and Ings perfectly hooked his shot over Alisson Becker into the far corner.

"It's not only the slow start, but the slow start made life massively difficult tonight," added Klopp.

Southampton had key absentees themselves with goalkeeper Alex McCarthy missing due to a positive test for coronavirus, while Oriol Romeu, Jannik Vestergaard and Che Adams were out injured.

Fraser Forster was making his first Saints appearance since May 2019, but the former England international was rarely tested to earn his clean sheet.

<h2>'Perfect gameplan'</h2>

The visitors could easily have found themselves 2-0 down before the break when Southampton substitute Nathan Tella was inches away from his first senior goal.

If Klopp's men were too passive in the first-half, they started the second-half with the intensity they have made their trademark in recent seasons as Southampton were pinned inside their own half.

Sadio Mane was the visitors' biggest threat on his return to St Mary's as Jack Stephens made a last-ditch challenge to block his route to goal before Kyle Walker-Peters was lucky to escape without conceding a penalty for obstructing another burst from the Senegalese into the box.

Thiago Alcantara was making just his second Liverpool start since a much-anticipated move from Bayern Munich, but even the Spaniard's range of passing could not cut through Southampton's determined defence.

"I started believing we can do it in the 92nd minute, not earlier," said Hasenhuttl. "They are so strong in front you always believe something can happen.

"We had to have a perfect gameplan today and luck. Without luck against such a team you cannot win."

Mane had Liverpool's only shot on target 15 minutes from time when his tame effort was easily held by Forster low to his left.

Southampton could have sealed a huge win moments later when Alisson was caught well off his line by Yan Valery, whose shot lacked the power to beat Henderson in a race to the goal line.

Liverpool so often dug themselves out of problems with late goals in romping to the title last season, but have failed to do so over the festive period, also dropping points against struggling West Brom and Newcastle.

United and Manchester City now hold the upper hand in the title race as they can both move ahead of Liverpool should they win their games in hand.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool are suffering a "rusty moment" after a 1-0 defeat at Southampton extended the defending champions' winless run in the Premier League to three games.

Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool are suffering a "rusty moment" after a 1-0 defeat at Southampton extended the defending champions' winless run in the Premier League to three games. Danny Ings's stunning second-minute goal earned three points which moved Southampton into sixth and led to Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl breaking into tears of joy on the final whistle. Liverpool remain top of the table on goal difference over Manchester United, but have now played a game more than the Red Devils, who they face in their next league game at Anfield on January 17. "That's a rusty moment we have to admit it," said Klopp, whose side last failed to win in three straight Premier League games back in May 2018. "Only if you know the problem can you solve the problem, we are not blind. We have to fight and play through this." A first league defeat in three months may hasten Liverpool's search for a centre-back in the January transfer window. Without the injured Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, Klopp started two of his first-choice midfielders from their title-winning campaign, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, together at the heart of his defence. Southampton had not scored in their last three games to temper their hopes of a push for European football, but took just two minutes to break the deadlock in style through former Liverpool striker Ings. Trent Alexander-Arnold did not deal with James Ward-Prowse's angled free-kick into the box and Ings perfectly hooked his shot over Alisson Becker into the far corner. "It's not only the slow start, but the slow start made life massively difficult tonight," added Klopp. Southampton had key absentees themselves with goalkeeper Alex McCarthy missing due to a positive test for coronavirus, while Oriol Romeu, Jannik Vestergaard and Che Adams were out injured. Fraser Forster was making his first Saints appearance since May 2019, but the former England international was rarely tested to earn his clean sheet. 'Perfect gameplan' The visitors could easily have found themselves 2-0 down before the break when Southampton substitute Nathan Tella was inches away from his first senior goal. If Klopp's men were too passive in the first-half, they started the second-half with the intensity they have made their trademark in recent seasons as Southampton were pinned inside their own half. Sadio Mane was the visitors' biggest threat on his return to St Mary's as Jack Stephens made a last-ditch challenge to block his route to goal before Kyle Walker-Peters was lucky to escape without conceding a penalty for obstructing another burst from the Senegalese into the box. Thiago Alcantara was making just his second Liverpool start since a much-anticipated move from Bayern Munich, but even the Spaniard's range of passing could not cut through Southampton's determined defence. "I started believing we can do it in the 92nd minute, not earlier," said Hasenhuttl. "They are so strong in front you always believe something can happen. "We had to have a perfect gameplan today and luck. Without luck against such a team you cannot win." Mane had Liverpool's only shot on target 15 minutes from time when his tame effort was easily held by Forster low to his left. Southampton could have sealed a huge win moments later when Alisson was caught well off his line by Yan Valery, whose shot lacked the power to beat Henderson in a race to the goal line. Liverpool so often dug themselves out of problems with late goals in romping to the title last season, but have failed to do so over the festive period, also dropping points against struggling West Brom and Newcastle. United and Manchester City now hold the upper hand in the title race as they can both move ahead of Liverpool should they win their games in hand.

'Rusty' Liverpool stumble again in Southampton defeat