LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s South American strikers Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino propelled the team to a 3-1 victory at home against Southampton in the premier league Saturday in their last game before the season break for the World Cup.
The win lifted Liverpool to sixth in the league table with 22 points after 14 games, although Brighton & Hove Albion could climb above them when they take on Aston Villa on Sunday.
Brazil’s Firmino put Liverpool ahead in the sixth minute by netting Andy Robertson’s free kick into the net.
Moments later, Southampton responded with a similar effort, Che Adams heading in from James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick and scoring the club’s first goal under new manager Nathan Jones.
Uruguay international Nunez restored Liverpool’s lead in the 21st minute by volleying a cross from 19-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliot.
The striker, who cost Liverpool a total of 95 million euros ($98.34 million) when he signed with Benfica in June, scored his second goal three minutes before halftime, meeting a another Robertson cross from close range.
The second half lacked the frenetic nature of the first although Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to make two good saves to preserve his side’s two-goal cushion while Mohammad Salah fended off a big chance when he stole possession and rushed into the area to miscontrol the ball.
The win lifted Liverpool to sixth in the league table with 22 points after 14 games, although Brighton & Hove Albion could climb above them when they take on Aston Villa on Sunday.
Brazil’s Firmino put Liverpool ahead in the sixth minute by netting Andy Robertson’s free kick into the net.
Moments later, Southampton responded with a similar effort, Che Adams heading in from James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick and scoring the club’s first goal under new manager Nathan Jones.
Uruguay international Nunez restored Liverpool’s lead in the 21st minute by volleying a cross from 19-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliot.
The striker, who cost Liverpool a total of 95 million euros ($98.34 million) when he signed with Benfica in June, scored his second goal three minutes before halftime, meeting a another Robertson cross from close range.
The second half lacked the frenetic nature of the first although Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to make two good saves to preserve his side’s two-goal cushion while Mohammad Salah fended off a big chance when he stole possession and rushed into the area to miscontrol the ball.
