Liverpool stroll past Southampton to maintain 100% start

Liverpool's Egypt forward Salah, who had failed to score in his last two league games, went close with a delightful flicked effort with his back to goal at the end of the first half, the Anfield crowd singing his name in praise.

The Switzerland worldwide started for the first time in the comprehensive 3-0 victory over Saints, and had a hand in two of the side's three first-half goals. He was always a target to pass back to and was still involved in the defensive organization as you could see him communicating with the back line frequently.

"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".

More impressive, it's another cleansheet for the team.

"I would have done the same if it had been 2-0".

Before this season, the Reds had never won seven games in a row to kick off a campaign, but with expectations high Jurgen Klopp's side have managed it.

"I'm really, really happy about how we played the game today, because it was clear it was a really hard game, we knew that form the last few games when we played Southampton, but today we were in a really good mood", Klopp said. But then we won game No.8 5-0, which was very cool!

"Now their squad, which will sustain them during the season, looks really strong as well, that could be the difference this year".

"That's good, but the next one is coming!"

Liverpool strolled through much of the second period in second gear, although the loss of Van Dijk to injury may have soured Klopp's afternoon ahead of next week's double header against unbeaten Chelsea, who visit Anfield on Wednesday in the EFL Cup before welcoming the Reds to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Southampton manager Mark Hughes accepted the gulf between the sides shown in the opening 45 minutes but felt there were positives to take after the break.

"It was a nice feeling to be on the field 90 minutes. 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".

Alisson could have easily took a nap in the first half, and Liverpool still would have bagged a clean sheet against the Saints.