Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Victory Over Southampton

Have you ever been in a really good moment? Just the type of moment where everything is perfect? Maybe you’re sitting on a beach with an umbrella in your drink during a sunset. Maybe you’re at a concert listing to your favorite band play your favorite song. You’re falling in love. You’re alive in this moment and nothing else matters. Time stands still and everything is blurry. You have tunnel vision because life can’t get any better.

This is the moment we’re in every time we get to watch this Liverpool team. 38 times (in the league) this team gives us this moment. That’s the most incredible thing about them. We’ll talk about their accomplishments and their incredible stats, but they’re able to change our lives every single week.

The only problem with moments like this is the inevitability that they end. Time is undefeated. Death comes for every man. Sadness and despair happen all too frequently in a world like this. But that’s why these moments are so sweet. We get to hang in the balance and truly love to be alive.

I’m beginning to think that this team is good enough to beat even the inevitable. Death can’t even stop Jurgen Klopp’s mighty Reds. I’m as cynical and pessimistic as they come, and even I can come to believe in their brilliance. They’re worthy of our praise and our adoration. They play 13 more times in the league. That’s 13 more moments that’ll change our lives. And then one moment...the moment that’ll change us forever.

And now you’re going to believe us.

Winners & Losers

I have to offer some serious football analysis in this column. That’s the point of the enterprise, after all. So let’s attempt to do that here.

Winners

Roberto Firmino

Three assists for the Brazilian today. Pretty good for being in “poor” form, I think. Liverpool we’re supposed to struggle without Sadio Mane. Thankfully Bobby isn’t having any of that silly narrative. He was constantly involved in the build up play and in the final third. He’s up to 8 goals and 7 assists in the league

Jordan Henderson

A goal and assist for the captain today. He filled in admirably at the six while Fabinho was out injured but now he’s back in his best position. What an incredible player. He wants to win this league more than anyone else.

Alisson Becker

The first half will go on to be forgotten, but had Alisson not made some crucial saves while Southampton were taking their chances, this match could’ve ended very differently. Remember life before him? Me neither.

Losers

Danny Ings’ dream return to Anfield

Danny Ings is such a lovable man. It’s really great to see him thriving with Southampton. I’m very happy for him. I would’ve been fine with him scoring today, honestly. As long as that goal didn’t end up hurting Liverpool’s chances of winning. I’m okay with it not happening, don’t get me wrong. Here’s to you, Danny.

James Ward-Prowse as a right-back

Southampton’s manager Ralph Hasenhüttl had to make an interesting choice at right-back after first choice Cédric Soares went to Arsenal, and he chose to put Ward-Prowse there against Liverpool. It worked for 45 minutes pretty well and then it REALLY didn’t work for 45 minutes.

What Happens Next?

Liverpool get a bit of a break before the business end of the season heats up. There’s the FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town but no one is really arsed about that. 14 days until Norwich away. Take a breath and get ready to sprint. 3 days after Norwich we resume Champions League play against Atletico Madrid.

7 more wins to glory. Buckle up.