Liverpool makes sweat before the cool Mo Salah soothes the nerves of the title | Soccer

If this is to be Liverpool's year, it may be resilience and an admirable ability to bounce back from setbacks in the matches, rather than a dazzling line of attack or stingy defense, makes the difference. They were rarely at their best on the south coast and even accumulated arrears for a while, but ruthlessly they have always prevailed.

Over time – especially if this painful 29-year-old wait is finally over next month – they might think that this victory is much more important than simply restoring a two-point lead over Manchester City in the run-in. Jürgen Klopp would probably have tried to play a positive response, but losing points even in a revitalized Southampton would have been disastrous, yielding all his momentum to the champions.

Instead, rallying in this unbridled finale, they retained a psychological advantage in this hypnotic iron fist at the top and the German was able to indulge in his usual euphoric hand pumps in front of the contingent absent at the last stroke of whistle. "In the end, it's great," Klopp offered that familiar smile. "Southampton is remarkable, very tough to face, brilliantly organized with good players in all positions. Everyone will come here in the future and will feel how difficult it is, which makes it even more satisfying. "

Their quest has long since taken on a relentless character – no one can match the 16 points they have earned after losing top positions this season. Liverpool had recently conceded to Burnley at Anfield, then to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They have also been penalized by Fulham and the Spurs, but they have always found a way out victorious.

This match against resilient and resurgent opponents was no different even though it was in the last 10 minutes, with visitors wanting to clear a corner and then a follow-up center before attacking with determination. The head of Jordan Henderson, substitute, propelled them to the field, although it was Mohamed Salah, who ran from inside his own camp, which eventually broke through Southampton's optimism.

The Egyptian sprinted ruthlessly ahead of Ryan Bertrand who was back, exposed and alone, keeping his half time before having rejected the opportunity to provide a Roberto Firmino galloping by his side. . Klopp said, reliving the moment in his mind – and instead sending a glorious shot behind Angus Gunn from inside the penalty area.

Salah's 50th goal in the Premier League, in a record 69 games, is his first goal since mid-February, putting an end to what he would have considered an eight-game drought. If their most prolific striker is restored to fight, this will only strengthen the beliefs of this team that considers future national challenges. They have more than Chelsea and Wolves, both at Anfield, among the top seven to play. In truth, their last five games are not terribly intimidating.

There were other quirks to celebrate for them. Naby Keïta, who played under Ralph Hasenhüttl at Red Bull Leipzig, jumped to join the handsome Trent Alexander-Arnold center nine minutes before the interval to score a first goal in Liverpool thanks to Gunn's attempt to save at the foot of his pole. It was an equalizer to soothe the nerves – even if it was an assistant referee missing Salah's marginal offside in setting up – although it took the introduction of older heads to Henderson and James Milner just before the hour for the visitors to win. the game. Later, once their lead was established, Henderson even made a leap forward and scored the Firmino center for a first goal since September 2017.

Southampton is gone deflated, although she will not be discouraged long. Their rebirth under Hasenhüttl, the ugly mishmash of a camp that lay at the foot of the table under Mauricio Pellegrino and Mark Hughes, was remarkable. They are unrecognizable these days. The way they disturbed their noble opponents, especially during the first exchanges, was a reminder that this team had overturned Arsenal and Spurs under the Austrian and put all its competitors to the test.

Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand threatened to invade Liverpool on their right. It was therefore not surprising that their initial advantage was obtained from this flank, the center of Bertrand with a deep arc on Joel Matip, uncertain, allowing Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who was not followed, to override Virgil van Dijk. Shane Long was hanging out there. Andrew Robertson was distracted by James Ward-Prowse's race and Keïta was slow to react to collect and convert his second goal of the league term.

Southampton had spent more than five hours of football against these opponents without a net – Sadio Mané had been their last scorer of this match, three years ago – and if the Irish had not missed the goal of ### 39, another beautiful center of Bertrand, he might still have imposed. in front of.

"Maybe we scored a bit too early," Hasenhüttl said. "Or, if you go up 2-0, on defense as we did today, then you have a chance." His team, disciplined and impressive until the last 10 minutes frantic, will soon be out of trouble.