TheCable

Southampton dealt Liverpool’s title defence a massive blow with a 1-0 over the English Premier League (EPL) champions at the Saint Mary’s Stadium on Monday night.

The game was decided by a Danny Ings goal in the second minute with the former Liverpool striker pouncing on an error to give Southampton their first win in five matches and consign Liverpool to a three-match winless run.

Thiago Alcantara, who was making his first start in three months, was evidently shorn of match fitness early on, giving away the free-kick that led to Southampton’s goal.

Ings was the beneficiary of the quickly taken James Ward-Prowse free-kick when Trent Alexander-Arnold did not deal with the delivery, allowing the 28-year-old striker to score his 50th EPL goal with a hooked finish into the far corner.

It was all Liverpool afterwards as the Reds went close against their vulnerable-looking hosts through openings for the trio of Firmino, Mane and Salah.

The hosts, however, finished the half stronger with Moussa Djenepo and Ings going close before the interval.

Liverpool improved in the second half and were denied a penalty kick in the 50th minute when Giorgino Wijnaldum’s shot struck the arm of a diving defender. A VAR review, however, deemed the offence not enough to award the spot-kick.

Liverpool stay top with 33 points but only on goals difference while Southampton move up to sixth position, level on points again with Manchester City.