02’
Danny Ings scored in the second minute as Southampton beat Liverpool 1-0 to put a dent in their title defence.
Ings produced the 50th Premier League goal of his career, against his former club, when he hooked James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick over Alisson with a deft piece of skill.
Nathan Tella curled narrowly wide on the stroke of half-time in a strong showing from Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.
Although Liverpool pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half it was not until the 75th minute that Sadio Mane had their first shot on target.
The former Saints forward forced a save from Fraser Forster on the goalkeeper's first Premier League appearance since May 2019.
Yan Valery might have scored a second for Southampton when Alisson raced outside his penalty area, but the Frenchman's shot lacked the strength to reach its target.
Southampton’s first win in five matches takes them up to sixth place on 29 points.
After their second defeat of the campaign Liverpool remain top on goal difference from their next opponents Manchester United, who have a match in hand.
See: Southampton report | Liverpool report
Next fixtures
Southampton: 16 Jan v Leicester (A)
Liverpool: 17 Jan v Man Utd (H)
Match officials
Referee: Andre Marriner. Assistants: Scott Ledger, Simon Long. Fourth official: Stuart Attwell. VAR: Andy Madley. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.
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