Liverpool moved to just a point behind leaders Chelsea after coasting to a second successive 4-0 league victory against Southampton on Saturday.
The Reds had comfortably beaten an in-form Arsenal last time out at Anfield and made light work of it again against the Saints, Diogo Jota turning home from close range inside just two minutes following excellent work down the left from Andy Robertson.
A slack back pass from Thiago Alcantara almost proved costly only for Alisson to quickly pounce to deny James Ward-Prowse, while at the other end Jota added his second of the match with a simple finish after a fine pullback from Mohamed Salah.
Fresh from his midweek stunner against Porto, Thiago then got in the act as Jurgen Klopp’s side added a third before half-time, the Spaniard seeing his effort fly into the back of the net with the aid of a hefty deflection off an unfortunate Lyanco.
With the victory all but assured, Virgil Van Dijk then inflicted more misery on his former side with a well-taken finish from a corner, following yet another Trent Alexander-Arnold assist.
That proved to be the end of the damage as Liverpool moved up to second in the table, with man of the moment Jota urging his side to keep the momentum going ahead of a hectic festive schedule.
“In the end it is a good game for us. We adapted well to their three at the back. They changed again in the second half. We took advantage. There were spaces in the first half. A clean sheet too so a good performance,” Jota tolf BBC Sport.
“It is always easier when you start well with a goal at home. We knew in the past we have been 2-0 up and not won the game. But we did today and that is important. The most important is that we win.
“I take advantage of playing for a good team. Fortunately for me I can score goals and hopefully keep doing it.
“Even with the changes we make from the Champions League it is important to have everyone on board. This month it is a game every three days. We just need to keep going.”
Liverpool are next in action against Rafa Benitez’s Everton side on Wednesday evening, before they take on Wolves at Molineux next Saturday.
