Jurgen Klopp made four changes to his Liverpool team with Dejan Lovren replacing the injured Joel Matip in central defence. Joe Gomez was a surprise omission but perhaps one eye was on the Champions League match against Seville in midweek.
Salah opened the scoring in the 31st minute when he curled into the net from 18 yards, punishing Dusan Tadic for losing possession.
The strike gave the Reds confidence and ten minutes later an exquisite Philippe Coutinho pass picked out a perfectly-timed run as Salah slotted a second past Fraser Forster in the 41st minute. It was Salah’s 14th goal in what is fast becoming a stellar debut season for the Reds.
Philippe Coutinho added a third in the second half when Southampton keeper Foster could only parry a Firmino shot and the Brazilian was on hand to knock it in from 12 yards in front of the Kop.
It was an easy victory for the Reds who didn’t have to move into top gear against a struggling Saints who offered little in front of goal.
Liverpool are now fifth in the table, a point behind Tottenham in fourth.
Goals
31′ Salah
41′ Salah
68′ Coutinho
Next up?
Liverpool are away on Tuesday when they visit Seville in the Champions League (19:45 GMT) before a massive clash against Chelsea at Anfield on 25 November (17:30 GMT).
James Holmes
Caught the game on MOTD and was so impressed with Salah. I dread to think where we would be this season without him and his 14 goals. We are on a good run now and with Lallana coming back we are looking strong on the pitch and the bench. It’s just a pity we gave City such a head start with some amateur defending and questionable performances earlier in the season. I would give Klopp and the team 7 out of 10 so far this season.
Alan Hughes
Yes James I would agree with your assessment 100% with the caveat of until the Sadio Mane sending off we were well in the game be it 1-0 but well in the game. Spurs game was just recklessly ridiculous in the extreme defensively… since then we have our swagger back. Most important player for LFC is Roberto Firminio by some distance just because he presses in the absence of Lallana and make everything tick. Klopp has learned that finally we can’t go all out attacking just sit back and wait our time that’s been noticeable since the Spurs embarrassment.