EPL: Southampton 0-2 Liverpool
Mohamed Salah celebrates with Roberto Firmino
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino set up goals for each other as Liverpool won 2-0 on Virgil van Dijk's return to Southampton.
Salah laid on the opener for Firmino inside six minutes and the Brazilian returned the favour with a sublime back-heel as the Egyptian notched his 22nd Premier League goal of the season just before half-time.
Southampton had their chances to leave a blemish on the latest chapter of Van Dijk's career, but he tasted victory for in the league for the first time following his £75m January move to Anfield to leave the Saints in the bottom three after one win in an alarming 14-game run.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking up rather than down with Jurgen Klopp's 50th win as Reds boss moving them to within two points of second-placed Manchester United following their defeat at Newcastle.
Klopp predicted a hostile reception for Van Dijk and that proved correct as the defender's every touch was vehemently booed by the home faithful, including a clearance which led to Liverpool's opener.
Centre-back Wesley Hoedt failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Salah to race in behind and square for Firmino to apply the finishing touch to a clinical counter.
Liverpool failed to build on their early advantage though, allowing Southampton - who had the lion share of possession in the first half - to steady and create three chances.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg registered Saints' first attempt on target on 18 minutes but Loris Karius was quick off his line to thwart the midfielder's drive after he got inside Andrew Robertson.
A frantic 29th minute saw January signing Guido Carrillo head a James Ward-Prowse cross straight at Karius before Dusan returned the favour for the Saints midfielder, whose header drew a fine fingertip save from the Reds stopper.
Liverpool awoke from their slumber and a sensational second came three minutes before the break as Firmino dissected the Saints defence with a sublime back-heel, releasing Salah to stroke the ball beyond Alex McCarthy with a first-time finish.
As Van Dijk soaked up Saints' attempt at a second-half fight, Liverpool sat back and utilised their rapid counter attacks, although, with the damage done in the first half, no further goals were needed.