It’s turning into quite the week for Liverpool‘s Philippe Coutinho, who followed up his midweek wondergoal against Manchester United with the opening effort against Southampton.
The Reds headed to St Mary’s on Sunday shorn of several key men, with James Milner missing through suspension, Roberto Firmino out through injury and captain Jordan Henderson only fit for the bench.
Despite the absentees, Liverpool started strongly, and having hit a magnificent goal in midweek as the Reds dumped Manchester United out of the Europa League, Coutinho again hit a delightful effort.
The Brazil playmaker found space 30 metres from goal, after cutting in from the left flank, and hit a stonking effort that left Fraser Forster with no chance in the 17th minute.
Two goals up, Liverpool look well placed to claim a victory that would take them above both Southampton and Stoke City into seventh place.
SEE MORE:
Jon Flanagan made Liverpool captain; local boy handed armband as key players miss Southampton clash
Premier League playmaker offers support for Manchester United flop
Liverpool dealt injury blow as key player pulls out of Southampton match