Liverpool top table, Burnley end wait for win but Jose Mourinho rues Man Utd display

Last Updated: 22/09/18 8:10pm

Liverpool maintained their perfect start, Sergio Aguero scored in a landmark game and Sir Alex Ferguson watched Wolves thwart Manchester United - here's what happened in the Premier League on Saturday.

With Chelsea playing on Super Sunday, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool returned to the summit as they maintained their winning start to the season by overpowering Southampton 3-0 at Anfield.

The Reds took the lead after 10 minutes when a Xherdan Shaqiri cross deflected off Shane Long and rebounded into the net off Wesley Hoedt. Joel Matip doubled the advantage with a firm header and Mohamed Salah pounced for the third after a Shaqiri free-kick had bounced down off the crossbar.

Xherdan Shaqiri of Liverpool celebrates after he provides the assist for Liverpool's first goal

Champions Manchester City kept up the pressure by thrashing Cardiff 5-0, Riyad Mahrez scoring twice as Pep Guardiola's side recovered from their midweek Champions League defeat to Lyon.

City clicked into gear with three goals in the closing 13 minutes of the first half, with Sergio Aguero celebrating his new contract - and his 300th appearance for the club - by netting the first.

Bernardo Silva headed a quickfire second and Ilkay Gundogan curled in a fine third, before Mahrez came off the bench to score his first goals for Guardiola's side after the break.

Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Wolves on the day Sir Alex Ferguson returned to Old Trafford.

1:04 Sir Alex Ferguson was warmly welcomed back to Old Trafford Sir Alex Ferguson was warmly welcomed back to Old Trafford

Ferguson was welcomed back to Old Trafford for the first time since undergoing emergency brain surgery in May but could not inspire United to victory.

United did take the lead through Fred's first goal for the club after 18 minutes but Wolves had already spurned a handful of chances. The promoted side continued to fight and secured a point from an entertaining contest with a brilliant effort from Joao Moutinho after 53 minutes.

Burnley finally claimed their first win of the season, at the sixth attempt, by thrashing Bournemouth 4-0 at Turf Moor.

Bournemouth's Nathan Ake saw a shot deflected onto the bar but the Clarets took command with two goals in quick succession from Matej Vydra and Aaron Lennon shortly before the interval. Ashley Barnes added two more in the final seven minutes.

Huddersfield's wait for a first victory goes on after they were beaten 3-1 at Leicester.

The Terriers took an early lead when Mathias Jorgensen netted from close range following a free-kick but Kelechi Iheanacho levelled with a breakaway goal after 19 minutes.

James Maddison celebrates after scoring Leicester City 's second goal

James Maddison gave the Foxes a 66th-minute lead moments after Laurent Depoitre had failed to take a chance for the visitors and Jamie Vardy broke away to put the result beyond doubt 15 minutes from time.

Mamadou Sakho was guilty of a bad miss as Crystal Palace were forced to settle for a goalless draw against Newcastle at Selhurst Park. Sakho headed wide from close range and James McArthur also went close as Palace chased a late winner.

Newcastle earlier felt aggrieved when Joselu had a penalty appeal turned down.

Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates his equaliser

In the early game, live on Sky Sports Premier League, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a late equaliser as Fulham grabbed a point from a 1-1 draw with Watford at Craven Cottage.

The Hornets took a second-minute lead through Andre Gray but were punished for missing further chances when Mitrovic, who also hit the bar late on, levelled after 78 minutes.

A Super Sunday double-header sees West Ham host Chelsea before Arsenal take on Everton.

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Joel Matip assessed his first start of the season as a ‘good step’ after scoring during Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Southampton.

The centre-back came in to the Reds’ side for Saturday’s Premier League match at Anfield, starting alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Jürgen Klopp’s defence as Joe Gomez was named among the substitutes.

An assured defensive display was supplemented by Matip’s first home goal as a Liverpool player, as he guided a towering header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner past Alex McCarthy to put the hosts 2-0 up in the first half.

Matip, who played the full 90 minutes, said post-match that he understood why Klopp had elected to partner Van Dijk and Gomez in each of the Reds’ previous six outings this season, all of which ended in victory.

However, the 27-year-old is hoping to get more minutes under his belt with Liverpool now to face Chelsea twice, Napoli and Manchester City during an 11-day spell that starts with a Carabao Cup tie against against Maurizio Sarri’s men on Wednesday.

Virgil van Dijk injury update>> 

“They [Van Dijk and Gomez] played the whole season well and there was no reason to change,” Matip told Liverpoolfc.com

“I was injured and still needed some time to get in and to be on a good level, but I am on a good way and this was a good step.

“I still need some time but I am on a good way and we have a lot of games, a lot of players, so I hope that I can also play a few games more.”

Despite the fact Klopp’s side set a new club record of seven-straight wins at the start of a campaign on Saturday, Matip saw room for improvement in terms of their performance.

He continued: “Today we had a few problems but we can still increase. We are on a good way and if we win everything is fine, but we know we have to get better and I am still positive.”

Klopp explains Shaqiri substitution and assesses the 3-0 win>>

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Jürgen Klopp has explained the thinking behind his tactical approach to Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Southampton, which set a new club record.

Never before have the Reds won each of their opening seven fixtures in a season – a feat they achieved on Saturday as an own goal by Wesley Hoedt was added to by Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah.

Klopp had altered his attacking personnel and system at the outset of the Premier League clash but changed it at half-time, when James Milner replaced Xherdan Shaqiri.

After the game, the manager opened up on those decisions and reflected on a display that further extended Liverpool’s outstanding start to 2018-19.

Read on for a summary of his post-match press conference…

On the game…

It was good but you saw it needed to be because Southampton were not bad, they played good football. I had an idea and it didn’t work out 100 per cent. We changed system obviously to bring Shaq in a comfortable position. We wanted to make it a bit more difficult for Southampton to be really prepared for what we do. We knew the two tall boys in the centre would play so we thought to bring Mo there. Offensively, it was really good; defensively, we obviously weren’t used to it. We had the session yesterday and it was very strange – we couldn’t really go out because the real bad weather was over the city at our training time. We had around about 30 minutes with set-pieces included, which is very important because Southampton are really good with set-pieces. That we did that obviously helped because all three goals were around set-pieces.

On the other hand, that’s why I made the change. I said to Shaq at half-time that I had never brought a player off after such an influential time without an injury. He is not injured. But I wanted to control the game and go back to our normal formation. And that helped, we really controlled it. But still Southampton had their moments, they didn’t have big chances but they had their moments. We wanted to avoid that they could come through one or two times too often. We wanted to score of course; we were a bit unlucky in one or the other situations. It was probably offside with Mo. The first half with Mo was a bit unlucky with a nice situation, a good ball from Joel Matip. All round it was a good performance, very controlled in the second half and that’s how it should be.

On Shaqiri’s performance and the half-time change…

It was not easy, to be honest. It’s my job to sometimes deliver news nobody wants to hear. That’s how it was at half-time but he is a fantastic boy. I explained it to him so it’s no problem. Usually I don’t explain substitutions at half-time but I thought it made sense. It’s just good to have him; the free-kick was outstanding. That’s good. The whole team was not used to what we did today. As a new player, usually you struggle most but he didn’t – he tried everything. The only problem was defensively. Offensively, it was a good idea but, how I said, we have to work on that more often. But he was good and I liked it.

On the three first-half goals allowing for the switch…

That’s true but we would have done the same with 2-0, to be honest. That was the plan. We saw that we had a few problems. In the week you could see Gini Wijnaldum, good game but really hard now; Hendo’s second game in a row; Millie came on and I don’t think if you ask him that it felt like spring or something. It was hard work for him as well. Making six or seven changes today was never an option, we had to go through that game. That’s why I said it is the most important game. A few weeks ago you all told me there were very tough weeks and nobody thought about Southampton – that made the game a real challenge, apart from the quality of Southampton anyway. So, it’s a good sign that the team gave today again, scoring three, making set-pieces a proper threat is cool because they always help and defensively it was just good. All three centre-halves played fantastically, both full-backs played really well. All the others had to work really hard. I think it was another deserved three points.

On whether he’s surprised by Liverpool’s seven-game winning run…

Yes. I lost one time in my life seven games in a row and that felt different, to be honest. But then we won game No.8 5-0, which was very cool! Yes, it’s a surprise because of course you cannot expect it, but all performances we showed so far were at least good enough to win the games. All the different challenges with the different styles of the opponent, the boys were there. They were really in the situation and in the different games, so that’s good. But now the next one is coming on Wednesday and then coming again on Saturday and then again on the Wednesday. That’s now a really short week we have and then the period ends with a nice game against Man City! It will be tough, but for all of us, so that’s absolutely OK. It is better to win these games than draw them or lose them, but I am really sure we are mature enough to understand it in the right way.

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History was made at Anfield on Saturday as Liverpool beat Southampton 3-0.

First-half strikes by Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah, both of which followed Wesley Hoedt’s 10th-minute own goal, ensured Jürgen Klopp’s side made it seven wins from seven matches so far this season - a feat never achieved before in the club’s exalted 126 years of existence.

Here are five talking points on the action in L4…

7-0-0

Tuesday’s thrilling midweek victory over Paris Saint-Germain saw the Reds’ current vintage equal the club’s previous best start to a campaign.

That was set way back in 1961-62, when Bill Shankly’s team won their opening six matches en route to being crowned champions of the Second Division.

Fifty-seven years on, that record was surpassed - leaving the 50,000 or so Liverpool fans present at Anfield on Saturday September 22, 2018, able to say they witnessed a landmark moment.

Shining Shaqiri

Klopp said before the game that Shaqiri’s ‘time will come’ in reference to the Swiss making his first start for Liverpool.

Well, that time was Saturday - and Shaqiri was bright as he flitted across the pitch from his starting position at the apex of the Reds’ midfield three throughout an impressive first half.

It was the 26-year-old’s enterprise that forced the opening goal, as he collected a perfectly-weighted pass from Sadio Mane down the inside-left channel before cutting in and shooting powerfully at goal.

Shaqiri’s attempt struck Shane Long before deflecting off Hoedt and into the net to give the hosts the early goal they craved. 

And he played a huge part in Salah’s strike on the stroke of half-time, too, as his curling free-kick from 25 yards crashed down off the underside of the crossbar, allowing the No.11 to race in and poke home the rebound.

Shaqiri was replaced by James Milner at the break, with Klopp explaining post-match that his decision was made for for tactical reasons.

"I said to Shaq at half-time that I had never brought a player off after such an influential time without an injury," said the boss.

"It was not easy, to be honest. It’s my job to sometimes deliver news nobody wants to hear. That’s how it was at half-time but he is a fantastic boy."

Goal Matip 

As a centre-back, Matip’s primary concern is keeping goals out at one end rather than scoring them at the other.

On the day of his first start of the season, though, he did both - helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet while also netting their second with a fine, arcing header from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner.

Matip led the way for the Reds in terms of regaining possession, which he did 11 times throughout the 90 minutes. The Cameroonian’s three interceptions were a team-high figure, too, as were his 112 passes.

Matip satisfied a with 'good step'>>

A new twist on a classic formula

Regular watchers of Liverpool will know that positional interchanging between Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah is nothing new.

The Reds’ front three generally start games in the same areas of the pitch, though - with Firmino central, Mane left and Salah right - before fluidly switching throughout.

However, there was a noticeable change to that tried-and-tested formula in the first half on Saturday, as Salah began the game as Liverpool’s central striker with Firmino on the left and Mane on the right.

Klopp’s tactical tweak paid dividends, too, with Salah failing to convert two chances earned via slick interplay with Firmino before burying his third opportunity in first-half stoppage time.

The new approach was stuck to rigidly in the opening 45 minutes, with the normal service of free-flowing flexibility between the trio resuming after the interval.

Another Anfield shutout

Liverpool started the season by recording three successive clean sheets, before conceding four times in subsequent victories over Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and PSG.

So, a first shutout since the 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on August 25 will have pleased Klopp.

That it took Southampton until the 91st minute to register a shot on target - when Alisson Becker palmed away Charlie Austin’s attempt - is also plus point to take from a comfortable afternoon’s work for the Premier League leaders.

Klopp’s side have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets in home Premier League games, with Michail Antonio the last visiting player to score at Anfield in the top flight. That goal came in a 4-1 defeat for West Ham United back in February.

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Peter Smith

Comment and Analysis @p_smith86

Forward Salah has three Premier League goals

Last Updated: 22/09/18 5:46pm

Mohamed Salah ended a three-game wait for a goal on Saturday

Mohamed Salah ended his mini goal drought against Southampton and, despite suggestions he is short of form, the stats underline his continued threat for Liverpool...

Jurgen Klopp had laughed off questions about Mohamed Salah's goal 'drought' before Liverpool's clash with Southampton and the Egyptian's relaxed celebration when he tucked in his first in three games from close range underlined the point: there's no worry at Liverpool about Salah's early-season form.

Expectation levels are currently through the roof for the Reds forward, after he bagged 32 Premier League goals in 2017/18.

So much so, the prospect of him going four appearances across all competitions without a goal - which would have been his worst streak since returning to England - was a talking point going into this weekend.

But all the signs are Salah is set for another impressive campaign at Liverpool.

The statistics around shots and chances all point to a player regularly finding himself in prime positions to score - and, with the opportunities he's served up by the free-flowing, attacking football of his team-mates the goals seem sure to keep on coming.

To watch Premier League action on your mobile now download the Football Score Centre on iPhone or Android

The first half of the comfortable win over Southampton was a case in point.

Playing up front in a tactical switch which saw Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shaqiri and regular frontman Roberto Firmino in supporting roles, Salah had three good opportunities to score before poking in the rebound when Shaqiri's free-kick came back off the bar.

Twice the ball just got away from him on the break, while on a third dart into the box he had to resort to a cheeky back-heel attempt when the ball got caught under his feet.

2:52 Jurgen Klopp reflects on Liverpool's win over Southampton Jurgen Klopp reflects on Liverpool's win over Southampton

As Liverpool - now two goals up - pressed home their advantage the openings kept coming and he made his mark on the stroke of half-time, showing speed and sharpness to pounce on the loose ball.

In total this term, no player has had more clear-cut chances, according to Opta. The fact Salah has only taken two of his seven gilt-edged openings shows there's scope for more to come. By way of comparison he also had the most big chances last season (43), scoring 20 of them, so the conversion rate should not be a concern.

The stats show how much of a threat Salah has been this season

Salah also leads the Premier League for touches in the opposition box and ranks in the top three for total shots, demonstrating his consistent presence in dangerous areas.

Salah, who also had a goal ruled out for offside and a one-on-one chance halted by another flag in the second half against Southampton, is also playing an important role for his team-mates.

The forward has created 16 chances for his colleagues - again, no Premier League player has made more - while his top-three total of completed dribbles (14) shows he is breaking through defences.

Not bad for a player whose critics say he is suffering a slow start.

In the intensely scrutinised world of the Premier League - and Liverpool Football Club in particular - any blip or drop-off is magnified.

But suggestions Salah may be slipping from the elite level he reached last season are currently way off the mark.

If you're reading on skysports.com comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.

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Reports and highlights as Jurgen Klopp's side return to top of Premier League By Sam Drury

Last Updated: 22/09/18 8:12pm

To watch Premier League action on your mobile now download the Football Score Centre on iPhone or Android

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season as they returned to the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton.

An own goal from Wesley Hoedt (10) set them on their way before Joel Matip's header (21) and Mohamed Salah's close-range strike (45+3) had the game wrapped up by half-time.

Xherdan Shaqiri was heavily involved on his full debut - it was his shot that led to Hoedt's own goal and he crashed the free-kick off the bar that allowed Salah to tap in the rebound - before he was replaced at half-time.

There was a mild concern for Liverpool after the break as Virgil van Dijk went off with what appeared to be a rib injury but, despite that, they cruised through the remainder of Jurgen Klopp's 600th league game as a manager to continue their 100 per cent start to the season.

Player ratings

Home Team: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (7), Matip (7), Van Dijk (7), Robertson (7), Henderson (7), Wijnaldum (7), Shaqiri (8), Salah (8), Mane (7), Firmino (7)

Subs: Milner (7), Gomez (8), Keita (7)

Away Team: McCarthy (5), Cedric (6), Vestergaard (4), Hoedt (5), Bertrand (6), Romeu (6), Lemina (6), Hojbjerg (5), Redmond (5), Targett (5), Long (5)

Subs: Bednarek (5), Armstrong (5), Austin (5)

Man of the match: Mohamed Salah

The home side were on top from the first whistle and needed less than 10 minutes to take the lead. Sadio Mane found Shaqiri in the left-hand channel, the Swiss cut inside and his shot ricocheted off Shane Long into Hoedt and across the line as Alex McCarthy dived despairingly to try and claw the ball away.

Southampton responded well and Long almost got in after a loose pass from Matip. Van Dijk was alert to it though and snuffed out the danger as quickly as it had arisen.

Liverpool carried a threat throughout and it took a superb last-ditch tackle from Cedric Soares to deny Salah after the Egyptian had played a quick one-two with Roberto Firmino.

Matip rose highest from the resulting corner though, outjumping Jannik Vestergaard at the far post to plant his header beyond McCarthy and into the corner of the net.

Jurgen Klopp makes three changes to the side that beat Paris Saint-Germain. Roberto Firmino returned, Joel Matip replaced Joe Gomez and Xherdan Shaqiri made his full debut.

Southampton were without the ineligible Danny Ings and the injured Mohamed Elyounoussi, in came Oriol Romeu and Matt Targett.

The hosts continued to push for a third, while Southampton pushed forward intermittently but lacked any sort of cutting edge. It spoke volumes that their best chance almost resulted in a Liverpool goal; Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scuffed his shot from 12 yards after Ryan Bertrand's pull back, Liverpool broke with Salah and he was just off target with a back-heeled effort.

The third came on the stroke of half-time as Shaqiri's 30-yard free-kick came back off the underside of the bar and Salah was quickest to react, prodding the ball home from mere centimetres out.

The second half was a non-event, Van Dijk was substituted 10 minutes after the restart but emerged again at the final whistle, suggesting it may just have been a precaution, while Salah had another strike disallowed for offside but by 70 minutes both teams seemed happy to accept their fate.

Liverpool reclaim top spot from Chelsea, who play West Ham on Super Sunday, while Southampton remain in the bottom half with just one win to their name this season.

Notes for Southgate

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fine form continued on the Liverpool right and it was his corner that Matip headed in for the second. Jordan Henderson dictated things well in the middle of the park but it was the performance of Joe Gomez, only on as a sub for 35 minutes that really stood out. The youngster was imperious, showing pace and strength to deny Southampton any semblance of a chance.

Ryan Bertrand was, as ever, among Southampton’s more threatening players, getting forward well down the left when the opportunity presented itself and he created the visitors best chance, spurned by Hojbjerg. Nathan Redmond started brightly but quickly became a peripheral figure.

Man of the match - Mohamed Salah Mohamed Salah was back on form for Liverpool at Anfield

Jurgen Klopp had praised Salah before the game after all the talk of a slow start to the season from last season's top scorer. Not only was he back on the scoresheet at Anfield, his goalscoring instincts clear for all to see as he reacted quickest as Shaqiri's free-kick came back off the bar, he was a constant menace. He tormented Vestergaard in the first half as he started in a central role and, having moved back to the right for the second, he was involved in everything as Liverpool pushed for more goals after the break.

Opta stats

• Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has won all five of his Premier League meetings with Mark Hughes, more than he has against any other manager in the competition.
• Southampton manager Mark Hughes has lost each of his last six Premier League matches against Liverpool by an aggregate score of 17-3.
• Liverpool have won their first six games of a top-flight season for the third time in their history, after 1978-79 (finished 1st) and 1990-91 (finished 2nd).
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League games at Anfield (W16 D8), their best run in the competition since August 2009 (31 games).
• Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 41 goals in 31 games in all competitions for Liverpool at Anfield (30 goals, 11 assists).

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September 26, 2018, 7:00pm

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The managers 2:52 Jurgen Klopp hailed the impact of Xherdan Shaqiri on his full Liverpool debut Jurgen Klopp hailed the impact of Xherdan Shaqiri on his full Liverpool debut

Jurgen Klopp: "The result is really cool, the performance could have been better, that was clear, and we made some changes that cost us because I changed the system as well! Without training that is always difficult, I don't like it too much but we tried something and the changes we made were obviously good because Shaq was quite influential and Joel Matip as well. But organisation-wise, we had a few problems."

2:16 Mark Hughes conceded Southampton gave themselves a mountain to climb at Anfield after conceding two 'easy' goals. Mark Hughes conceded Southampton gave themselves a mountain to climb at Anfield after conceding two 'easy' goals.

Mark Hughes: "In the key moments of the game, the opening periods, you want to be nice and solid. At either end of the half as well, you want to get into half-time without conceding and we conceded two easy goals really from opportunities that could have been avoided. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb and it is difficult on the best of days to come to Anfield and get yourself a foothold in the game."

What's next?

Liverpool are back in action at Anfield on Wednesday when they host Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup, live on Sky Sports, before facing the Blues again next Saturday in the Premier League's tea-time game. Meanwhile, Southampton have a full week to prepare for their trip to Molineux to play Wolves next Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

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Follow all the build-up, action, reaction and much more throughout the day in our live blog as Liverpool meet Southampton in the Premier League at Anfield.

Team news

Among the topics Klopp covered in his press conference was Roberto Firmino's fitness.

And it was good news on Liverpool's No.9, who is ready to start after being a substitute - a match-winning one at that - against PSG on Tuesday due to the eye injury he sustained at Wembley last week.

Daniel Sturridge scored and impressed against PSG and is in contention to start, while Klopp has assured Xherdan Shaqiri that his 'time will come' as the forward awaits his full Reds debut.

Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi are unavailable, though, while Dominic Solanke returned to training on Friday following a concussion.

For Southampton, top scorer Danny Ings is ineligible due to the terms of the initial loan agreement that took him from Anfield to St Mary's last month.

Manolo Gabbiadini is also a doubt due to a hamstring issue.

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Jürgen Klopp has assured Xherdan Shaqiri that his ‘time will come’ as the forward awaits his full Liverpool debut.

Jürgen Klopp has assured Xherdan Shaqiri that his ‘time will come’ as the forward awaits his full Liverpool debut.

Switzerland international Shaqiri has been restricted to three substitute appearances against West Ham United, Leicester City and Paris Saint-Germain so far this season.

However, Klopp acknowledged that the 26-year-old is pushing for his first start for the club ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Southampton at Anfield.

“He is very positive, not only from the performances but as a guy in the dressing room. Everyone loves Shaq, that is how it is - and without playing plenty of minutes,” the boss said.

“That is more my mistake than his. He has done everything to play. I made different decisions but his time will come, that is for sure.”

Liverpool v Southampton: Team news>>

This weekend’s game against the Saints is the Reds’ seventh of the campaign.

The previous six have all ended in victory, with Klopp citing ‘greed’, ‘aggression’ and, latterly, ‘reinvented defensive skills’ as key factors behind their perfect results to date in 2018-19.

“We don’t feel that [momentum] to be honest because we play, analyse, prepare; play, analyse, prepare and that is it,” the manager stated.

“Maybe it’s because all the jobs are so difficult. There is no game where we have thought: ‘Thank God we have played them.’ None of the results we have this season would have been possible without the greed you have seen or without the aggression you see. No chance.

“We didn’t win anything so far - not in the past and not this season - so let’s use the momentum and create a new momentum. We really want to be the ugliest team to play against. That is the plan, and to do it with good football players. 

“The best news I have had in the last two weeks is how we have changed or reinvented again our defensive skills. We didn’t need them too much in the first few games. It was not that we didn’t have to defend but they were different games. 

“Against Tottenham and Paris I loved how we did it. We still played good football and that was a really big step in the season so far.”

Klopp: Southampton game is all that matters to us>>

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By Rory O'Callaghan

Last Updated: 22/09/18 9:25am

Jurgen Klopp is pleased with Liverpool's defensive solidity

Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool to become the "ugliest team" to play against in the Premier League.

Liverpool have become known for their attractive brand of football under Klopp, spearheaded by forwards Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

However, it is the improved defensive record of the team that has helped the club claim six straight wins at the start of the new season.

Virgil van Dijk has helped to transform Liverpool's defensive record since his arrival from Southampton

Liverpool have not conceded a Premier League goal at Anfield since February and Klopp has challenged his players to extend that record against Southampton on Saturday.

"We really want to be the ugliest team to play against," said Klopp, after seeing his side claim back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain.

"That is the plan, and to do it with good football players. The best news I have had in the last two weeks is how we have changed or reinvented again our defensive skills.

Liverpool have not conceded at home in the Premier League since February

"We didn't need them too much in the first few games - it was not that we didn't have to defend but they were different games.

"Against Tottenham and Paris I loved how we did it. We still played good football and that was a really big step in the season so far."

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Klopp has suggested he could make changes to his starting line-up against Southampton, with tough games against Chelsea, Napoli and Manchester City on the horizon.

"We are going to have use the boys now," said Klopp. "They are in good shape. You saw it with Daniel Sturridge, but Daniel is not the only one scratching the door.

"They all want to play. They want to feature and that is what we have to do for sure."

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Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over PSG in the Champions League was a memorable night for fans, and particularly six-year-old Hong Kong native Jerron Leung.

The Reds made the perfect start to life in Group C as Roberto Firmino‘s late stunner sealed a dramatic win over Thomas Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain.

An enthralling 90 minutes of football, this further underlined the club’s status as European giants, after last season’s run to the final in Kyiv.

This is certainly befitting of a club of Liverpool’s stature, with its reputation built on years of success on the continent, gaining supporters around the world.

One of those at Anfield on Tuesday is not old enough to remember Istanbul, let alone Rome.

But Jerron Leung’s journey to the game from Hong Kong with his brother, sister and parents Janet and Ben proves a devotion to Liverpool beyond his years.

Documented by ESPN on the night, Jerron took in the Reds’ sixth win, and was gifted a shirt from the club—with the name and number of his favourite player, Andy Robertson, on the back.

This is Anfield spoke to Janet to hear the brilliant story behind Jerron’s 6,000-mile trip to Merseyside and the fledgling football career that brought him here.

“We were here for a Chelsea academy trial!”

“Jerron is super happy and excited after this trip.

“The reason we went to Anfield was because we were here for Chelsea Soccer School during the summer holidays, and Jerron was asked to go to a Chelsea academy trial in September.

“We took a week off from school because we think as parents we should give them the chance to do what they like to do.

“Jerron started his soccer school in Hong Kong when he was two-and-a-half years old, at the Arsenal Soccer School.

“He is now in the Elite team for Arsenal Hong Kong, playing U6.”

“This is one of the ways to make him feel better…”

“This little boy always had a passion for football, and he wishes to be a football player when he grows up.

“He doesn’t like to watch cartoons, only football highlights on YouTube, and he loves to watch football with his diehard Liverpool daddy—who has been in love with Liverpool for over 25 years.

“As parents, we were very touched to see our boy so determined and focussed on what he likes.

“This trip is a little treat for him. Jerron has been suffering from severe eczema and he always scratches his body, sometimes until it bleeds.

“However, football heals his itchiness, and he doesn’t scratch that much when he is playing or watching football.

“This is one of the ways to make him feel better.”

“Is that the real Robertson?!”

“His dad and I are very supportive for him to chase after his dreams, although we know it won’t be easy to make come true.

“Jerron loves Liverpool because of his dad and his older brother, Jenson, aged eight. Jenson taught Jerron to love Liverpool and he always helps him search for videos on his iPad.

“They learned to sing all the songs such as You’ll Never Walk Alone and Allez Allez Allez on YouTube.

“Jerron did ask daddy before how he could be on YouTube and our reply was unsure!

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“We also cannot believe he was so brave to sing in front of the camera; his personality is quite shy.

“He told us he likes Liverpool because of their playing style and the fans are so passionate for the team.

“He actually did watch other games in the UK before, such as Chelsea, West Ham and Tottenham, but he thinks the atmosphere at Anfield is definitely the best.

“Therefore, he wishes he could be one of the mascots walking out at Anfield someday.

“We would really like to say big thank you to ESPN and LFC for making Jerron’s little trip so special and unforgettable.

“I showed him that Andy Robertson also retweeted the post and said ‘love it little man’. Jerron said ‘is that the real Robertson?!’ He also thinks it is unbelievable.”

* Thanks to Janet and Ben Leung for sharing Jerron’s story. You can see more on Twitter @JerronLeung.

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Liverpool take on Southampton at Anfield this afternoon, looking to make it six from six in the Premier League. Here are the key stats and facts ahead of kickoff.

Salah, Mane, Firmino & Sturridge

In the last 33 games that Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah have started for Liverpool they have netted 67 goals between them.

Mane is two goals short of recording 50 in the Premier League in his career so far with Southampton and Liverpool.

Salah needs two goals to record 50 in all competitions with English clubs.

If Firmino finds the net he will score in four successive Liverpool games for the first time in his career.

Daniel Sturridge requires one goal to reach the landmark of 50 in the league for Liverpool.

Uncharted Waters…

In midweek Liverpool equalled their club record by winning the first six games of a campaign, previously set in 1961/62.

A win today will see them set a new landmark of seven.

…And an Unwanted Mantle

Liverpool are the first team for 110 years to have won their opening five top-flight league games and not be top of the league, due to Chelsea having a better goal difference (one goal).

Downhill Since Losing Sadio

The Saints have not scored against the Reds in the last four top-flight meetings.

The last goal came from Mane (his second of the game) as his team came from two goals down to win 3-2 in March 2016.

The last three league goals scored by Southampton on this ground have all come from current Liverpool players—Dejan Lovren in 2013, Nathaniel Clyne a year later and Mane in 2015.

Hughes’ Miserable Reds Run

Mark Hughes has won three of his 23 career league games as a manager against Liverpool. Today he will take charge of his sixth different club in Reds games.

He has never won in 11 league visits as a boss, drawing four and losing seven.

His last two league trips to Anfield (both with Stoke) saw his team lose 4-1 each time.

Hughes’ only success on this ground as a manager came in January 2016 when his Stoke team won a League Cup semi-final 1-0 but were still eliminated on penalties.

1899 Reunion

Jannik Vestergaard was a team-mate of Roberto Firmino at Hoffenheim from 2011 to 2015.

At a height of 6’6″ he is the tallest player to play in the Premier League so far this season.

More Defensive Records

Liverpool have not conceded a goal in their last seven home league games. It is their longest sequence without conceding at Anfield since a run of nine in 2006/07.

It is 661 minutes since a visiting team last recorded a league goal at Anfield—West Ham‘s Michail Antonio scoring for West Ham back in February.

Jurgen Klopp‘s men have kept four successive league clean sheets against Southampton for the first time and now look to extend that to five in a row.

The Reds have kept a clean sheet in each of the last two home league fixtures against Southampton—but never in three.

This Season’s Scorers

Liverpool: Mane (4), Firmino (3), Salah (2), Milner (2), Sturridge (2), Wijnaldum (1)

Southampton: Ings (3), Hojbjerg (2), Austin (1), Bertrand (1)

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Danny Ings isn’t eligible to face Liverpool at Anfield today due to the terms of his Southampton loan – and Jordan Henderson has explained why he sees it as good news for the Reds.

Danny Ings isn’t eligible to face Liverpool at Anfield today due to the terms of his Southampton loan – and Jordan Henderson has explained why he sees it as good news for the Reds.

The striker moved to St Mary’s initially on a season-long deal on August’s transfer deadline day before the move becomes permanent next summer.

It means Ings will be forced to sit out a reunion with Liverpool this afternoon and Henderson feels it’s a boost for Jürgen Klopp’s side’s ambitions of clinching three points.

The captain wrote in his column for ‘This is Anfield’: “There’s no hiding the fact that we’re delighted Danny can’t play against us today at Anfield because for the first season of his move he’s on loan. I don’t mean that with any negativity – we’re delighted because we know his class better than most.

“When people in the game talk about Danny it’s always with positivity, but it’s quite often focused on what a great person he is and how fantastic his attitude is. Both of those things are correct – he is someone you fall in love with when you spend time with him and his courage and spirit is contagious. But people should not ignore his ability and talent. He is technically superb and extremely clever.

“Danny’s Liverpool story didn’t materialise as he ultimately would have hoped, but when he told us he was going to leave during the summer window and join Southampton it was always going to be a case of starting a new story and kicking on.

“Like everyone in our dressing room I was chuffed Danny got the move he wanted. I’ve been lucky enough to represent my home town team previously so I know what it means. Southampton is Danny’s home – it is his club and it means every goal he scores and every point he helps to win will mean even more.

“It’s been brilliant seeing him hit the ground running and making an immediate impact. There’s no doubt that he’s going to score goals and become a big hero and there will be no bigger cheers for every goal he bags than in our dressing room.”

Pick up your copy of 'This is Anfield' at the stadium this afternoon, or subscribe online by clicking here.

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‘Today is all that matters,’ is the message from Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool prepare to return to action against Southampton at Anfield.

Liverpool can set a new club record with victory over Southampton in their Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday.

Southampton await at Anfield on Saturday as Liverpool return to domestic duties following their thrilling, last-gasp win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Last Updated: 22/09/18 9:25am

1:36 Has Mohamed Salah's form been exaggerated? Has Mohamed Salah's form been exaggerated?

Mohamed Salah may have only scored twice this season, but his all-round game has not dropped off, Mark Schwarzer told The Debate.

After 31 Premier League goals last season, the Egyptian has got off to a relatively slow start, scoring in the opening two games, but failing to register since.

Jurgen Klopp has moved to defend his player ahead of Saturday's game with Southampton, and The Debate guests Mark Schwarzer and Paul Lambert are both in agreement Salah's form had been exaggerated on the back of his feats in 2017/18.

Schwarzer said: "The only problem he's going to have is the pressure that he puts on himself, because he's a top-class player, there's no doubt of that.

"The longer it goes on that he doesn't find the back of the net, is that going to affect him personally? Can he put it to the back of his mind and say I'm doing what I have to do, I'm getting in the right places, but just not finding the back of the net like I did last season.

0:44 Salah has been 'outstanding', Klopp told reporters on Friday Salah has been 'outstanding', Klopp told reporters on Friday

"Last season was phenomenal, but it's just up to him whether he does that. I spoke to him a few times last season and off-camera, I said did you expect this? And he just said… yeah.

"He wasn't being arrogant, he's a humble guy, he's quiet and softly-spoken, and I just laughed. I asked Jurgen Klopp the same question and he said no, I knew he was good but I didn't realise he was this good."

Lambert added that Salah's willingness to get on the ball had contributed to some of the criticism he received, specifically after giving away possession against PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday, before the French club launched an attack and scored.

He said: "It takes courage to have the ball, and the more you have it the more chances you have to give it away. He made a mistake v PSG but so what? You dust yourself down and go again. If you create these chances, you'll make mistakes. But I'd rather have a player who plays with courage and makes mistakes that doesn't.

"What he did last season was phenomenal, and that's a very difficult standard to hit. But I guarantee, if you ask the Liverpool players who play behind him when he goes through in a one-on-one they'll say he'll take it all day long."

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