Darwin Nunez scored a brace as Liverpool registered a 3-1 win over Southampton at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino gave the Reds an early advantage at Anfield, but that lead lasted only three minutes before Che Adams equalised after getting on the end of a James Ward-Prowse free kick.
However, a brace from Darwin Nunez before half time saw Liverpool take control of the game, and they saw out the Saints to go into the World Cup break all smiles. The victory saw Jurgen Klopp’s men move up to sixth in the Premier League table, while Southampton remain in the relegation zone.
With Klopp’s Liverpool winning all three points against Southampton, here are three talking points from the contest at Anfield.
#Firmino’s perfect response after Brazil snub
Roberto Firmino has certainly found his mojo back this season as he scored again on Saturday in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Southampton.
Having been left out of the Brazil squad for the World Cup, Firmino, 31, gave a perfect response with a goal and dazzling performance against the Saints. He opened the scoring with a brilliant flick-on off Robertson’s free-kick, giving Bazunu no chance to save the ball from hitting the back of the net.
The Brazilian was integral to the Reds’ win over the weekend, and despite registering seven goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, Firmino should feel very unlucky not to find himself in Tite’s World Cup squad.
#Nunez double helps Liverpool sign off in style
Southampton didn’t seem to have an answer for Darwin Nunez on the day, as he caused mayhem throughout the game—especially in the first half.
Drifting in from the left flank, which appears to be his new role of late, Nunez scored twice in a game where he looked at his most comfortable in the Premier League since arriving from Benfica in the summer.
The Uruguayan combined with Harvey Elliott to finish well after a well-timed run towards the back-post to give the Reds a 2-1 lead before making it 3-1 before half time by getting on the end of a cross from Andy Robertson.
In doing so, Nunez helped Liverpool make it a quartet of wins in a row and sign off for the mid-season World Cup hiatus on a positive note.
#Milner joins Premier League 600 club
James Milner became only the fourth-ever player to make 600 appearances in the Premier League on Saturday. The veteran midfielder, 36, returned to the Reds’ side following a short spell on the sidelines due to a head injury, and replaced Harvey Elliot midway through the second half.
In doing so, Milner notched his 600th appearance in the Premier League, joining Gareth Barry (653), Ryan Giggs (632) and Frank Lampard (609) in an exclusive club. By the time the season ends, he will almost certainly surpass Lampard’s tally of appearances.