Four things Jurgen Klopp got right as Darwin Nunez stuns Southampton for Liverpool

Four things Jurgen Klopp got right as Darwin Nunez stuns Southampton for Liverpool,Following their 3-1 win over Southampton, we take a look at four things Jurgen Klopp got right as Liverpool beat the Premier League strugglers to earn a valuable three points at Anfield

Four things Jurgen Klopp got right as Darwin Nunez stuns Southampton for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool to a convincing 3-1 win over Southampton.

The German manager, who served a one-match touchline ban for the game after the FA won its appeal against the decision to only fine him for his red card against Manchester City, was smiling at full-time as the side earned all three points.

Going into the contest at Anfield, the Reds were sitting in eighth spot in the Premier League – with hopes of a title challenge a distant memory.

The Saints, meanwhile, were languishing in 18th place in the Premier League table, having recently sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl and brought in Nathan Jones, who had previously been at Luton Town in the Championship, very much enjoying his second tenure with the side.

It was a frantic first-half. Roberto Firmino flicked a header into the far corner to put the hosts ahead, but Southampton almost immediately replied with a goal of their own through Che Adams to make it 1-1.

The Merseyside bit back with the enigmatic Darwin Nunez finishing with the side of his foot on the volley, taking Harvey Elliott's assist well. He made it 3-1 from close range later in the first-half to seal the win.

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Darwin Nunez finding his groove

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Darwin Nunez of Liverpool scores the second goal making the score 2-1 during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on November 12, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) — Darwin Nunez has finally arrived (probably) (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

It's been a stumbling start to life at Liverpool for Nunez, but he looked sharp. His goal will be a huge boost in confidence, and with each week that goes by, he is showing precisely why Klopp was willing to put all his money to bring the striker to Anfield.

His first and second goals looked like someone who's enjoying themselves and finding confidence in Europe's toughest league – a far cry from the shouts of 'flop' that were in abundance early on in the season.

Deploying him on the left flank with Bobby Firmino central and Mohamed Salah on the right flank, as he did against Tottenham last weekend, saw Nunez wreak havoc here and drift into the penalty area for fine finishes.

Alisson shines (again)

Southampton's Mohamed Elyounoussi (right) has a shot on goal saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday November 12, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. — A beardless Alisson shined (Image: PA)

Alisson showed why he is considered to be Liverpool's best player this season with another astounding display. The Brazilain will be frustrated not to the clean sheet, but he was on hand to pull off a wonderful save to deny the Saints in the second-half.

Adams flicked a header down and toward the net, but somehow the keeper was able to get down low and execute a world-class save to deny him.

Where does Klopp come in? The rotation is the answer. The coach put Caoimhin Kelleher in for the League Cup win against Derby County mid-week, and it was the Irishman's heroics that led the side to progress via penalty shootout.

A rested Alisson has come in and kept Southampton at bay (mostly).

Keeping away the FSG noise

Supporters protest against Liverpool's US owner John W. Henry and the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) outside English Premier League club Liverpool's Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on April 24, 2021 — Not every Reds supporter is a fan of the owners of the club (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

FSG's polarising ownership of Liverpool has come to the forefront owing to Klopp's recent press conference where he admitted that the club needed to spend to compete.

But where it mattered, on the pitch, the coach ensured that such noises didn't distract his players. It was a competent display throughout and one that speaks of a side playing without any pressure – albeit that has come from knowing the Premier League title is probably out of sight.

Harvey Elliott making moves in the middle

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on November 12, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) — Harvey Eliott showed what he is all about against Southampton (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

With Firmino dropping to a false-nine, he was able to support Elliott when he wanted to push on up the field and carry the ball. A lot has been made – disparagingly – of the Reds' midfield. But the youngster provided a neat assist for Nunez's opening goal and looked bright throughout the day.

Chances are that Liverpool bring in a marquee central midfield in the future, but Elliott has shown that he is more than capable.

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