Liverpool boosted their chances of a top-four finish in the Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 win at rivals Southampton.

The visitors opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock as Philippe Coutinho found the net with an eye-catching drive from long range.

Despite lots of Southampton pressure in the second half, the Merseysiders sealed the points with just under 20 minutes left as Raheem Sterling fired home.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action that took place at St Mary's Stadium.

Match statistics

Southampton
Shots: 13
On target: 5
Possession: 60%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11

Liverpool
Shots: 6
On target: 4
Possession: 40%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 14

Was the result fair?

Southampton may feel hard done by after dominating possession and creating more chances, but the bottom line is that Liverpool were clinical when it mattered. While the Saints may have won the game on another day, the visitors dug in and did what was necessary to leave with the points.

Southampton's performance

Despite going behind so early, Ronald Koeman's side reacted positively and were the better team for the majority of the game. The hosts used the ball well and did a good job of stretching Liverpool to create space, particularly in the final third. They were also impressive in defence, keeping the likes of Sterling and Coutinho fairly quiet throughout.

However, for all of the pressure that they put on their opponents, it was the lack of that extra spark up front that ultimately cost them. For all of the neat passing and clever movement, they rarely had the guile to get in behind the Liverpool defence and really test Simon Mignolet. This defeat is likely to hurt, though it would not be a surprise if the Saints recovered quickly.

Liverpool's performance

Brendan Rodgers's side got off to the best possible start when Coutinho opened the scoring inside the first couple of minutes, but they struggled to assert themselves on the game after that. The visitors only came to life in fits and starts as Southampton dominated possession and created the better chances for the majority of the encounter. There were moments up front when the Reds showed what they are capable of, but this victory was built on an impressive display at the back.

Martin Skrtel and his defensive colleagues soaked up plenty of pressure from the home team and dealt admirably with everything that was thrown at them. You got the feeling that the game could have been played for another hour with Southampton not scoring. Following some poor results early in the season, it looks as if the Merseysiders are hitting their stride when it counts.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Martin Skrtel: The Liverpool defender was superb at the back as he thwarted Southampton's forward players time and again. The centre-back was always there when it mattered, heading and blocking everything that came his way. Not only that, but the Slovakian also did an excellent job in organising those around him.

Biggest gaffe

Eljero Elia had a good chance to draw Southampton level early in the first half when the ball broke to him inside a crowded penalty area, but his tame effort from close range was saved by the feet of Mignolet. The winger may well have found the target had he shown a bit more composure in that situation.

Referee performance

It was a eventful afternoon for Kevin Friend, to say the least. The official could have given Southampton two penalties early on - one of which was a nailed-on spot kick - while he also failed to award Liverpool a penalty midway through the first half. Friend was also guilty of slowing the game down with a string of petty decisions. This was a poor display that negatively affected the match.

What next?

Southampton: The Saints return to action on Saturday when they travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

Liverpool: The Reds continue their Europa League campaign on Thursday, looking to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead away to Besiktas in the last 32 of the competition.