Man City made its move, and Liverpool responded in kind, ensuring the Premier League title race will come down to the final day of the season.
After City barely survived against Newcastle, needing a three-goal comeback to secure all three points, Liverpool also fell behind early but managed to grind out a victory on the season’s penultimate matchday. Now, with the Reds sitting a point adrift at the top of the table, the two teams will look to better the other’s result on Sunday.
Nathan Redmond put Southampton up early and put Liverpool’s title chase on life support with a deflected strike 13 minutes in. The hosts were dangerous in spurts, but had to fend off waves of high Liverpool pressure and attacking flow.
Liverpool found an equalizer through Takumi Minamino, making his first Premier League start for Liverpool after a loan spell at Southampton last season. Then, after halftime, the Reds broke the deadlock as Joel Matip looped an awkward but effective header into the back of the net off a corner.
Now, with Liverpool chasing an historic quadruple, Jurgen Klopp essentially has two finals to look forward to as the season comes to a close: one in the Premier League against Wolves and one in the Champions League against Real Madrid. The only wrinkle is Man City must slip for Liverpool to have a chance to claim them both.
Southampton vs. Liverpool final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Southampton | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Liverpool | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Goals:
13th min — SOU — Nathan Redmond
27th min — LIV — Takumi Minamino
67th min — LIV — Joel Matip
Commentary:
FULL-TIME: Southampton 1-2 Liverpool
The Reds’ second-string lineup manages a come-from-behind victory and ensures the title race will come down to the final day of the season. It’s not exactly the ideal finish for Liverpool, but it’s enough for now.
Jurgen Klopp clearly prioritized the Champions League with his starting lineup, and the minimum job required was achieved. Southampton gave it a real go at times, troubling the Reds on numerous occasions, but couldn’t build off Nathan Redmond’s early goal.