Liverpool finished up in the early hours of Thursday morning in Istanbul, Turkey clutching the UEFA Super Cup for a fourth time - a little over 60 hours later they were on the South Coast of England collecting another 3 points.
Whilst their were some difficulties in the game, not helped by Adrian's late mistake that allowed former red Danny Ings to grab a goal, this was an important 3 points for the reds to go back to the top of the Premier League.
It was also the reds 11th successive Premier League victory, equaling the clubs best consecutive record since 1992. The last time Liverpool dropped a point in the Premier League was on the 3rd March 2019.
There was a slight reshuffle, particularing in midfield with Fabinho and Henderson starting from the bench. Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain joining Gini Wijnaldum in the centre. The front three also made their first start together of the new season.
The goalscoring hero of Istanbul, Sadio Mane, was on hand to score Liverpool's opening goal in first half injury time. The goal was somewhat against the run of play.
Liverpool had started the game brightly but quickly looked jaded. Adrian had only marginally been passed fit to start, and this was more likely due to the fact that 35 year old drafted in sub, Andy Lonergan, had never featured in the division.
The flow to the first half had been affected when Milner went off temporarily after a clash of heads. The reds being down to 10 men appeared to swing the pendulum firmly in Southampton's direction.
End of a tough week, but two great results 🙌🏻
Sadio on 🔥🔥#welldoneboys#stitchesagain#donikedoheadbands pic.twitter.com/Itddh4jTqa— James Milner (@JamesMilner) 17 August 2019
Che Adams had put a Southampton chance narrowly over the bar, but Salah and Firmino too both had chances for Liverpool in the first half. It fell to Sadio Mane to collect a ball from James Milner and deliciously curl it into the corner of the net past Gunn.
The second half, just like in the UEFA Super Cup Final, Liverpool improved drastically. Gilt edged chances to double the lead presented themselves in quick succession to James Milner and Mo Salah. The Egyptian is yet to start fully firing for Liverpool this season, but the opportunities are presenting themselves.
It was however the talented Brazilian, Bobby Firmino, who gave Liverpool a two goal lead. Mane winning the ball back and Firmino probing across the edge of the penalty area before drilling into the net. A wave to his fellow players, a jig and the reds looked to have the points secured.
Danny Ings made his way on to the pitch in his first appearance against Liverpool since joining Saints (his loan last year preventing this) and he had an assist from his former club. Adrian cleared the ball from a van Dijk backpass and it bounced into the net off Ings' shin. Comical, unncessary and making the final 5 or so minutes slightly nerve-wracking.
The reds saw out the game however, and with both Spurs and City drawing, it was a marginal gain of 2 points.
After 3 games in 8 days, the reds have collected six league points and a European trophy. A week's rest now awaits and how that is needed. Next up is the visit from Arsenal, another side with a 100% opening league record.
We need a another Goalkeeper Klopp l love LFC xxx