Jamie Carragher has praised Jurgen Klopp for the second-half switch-up that proved crucial in Liverpool claiming a comeback victory at Southampton on Friday night.
Mohamed Salah ended his goal drought in sensational style as Liverpool reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat relegation-threatened Saints 3-1.
Egyptian forward Salah ran from inside his own half to find the net for the first time in nine games, 10 minutes from time, to help the title-chasing Reds move two points ahead of rivals Manchester City .
Substitute Jordan Henderson tapped home a late third to seal the success after Naby Keita's first goal in English football cancelled out Shane Long's early opener for the in-form hosts.
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But it was far from easy, and Carragher feels the early second-half introductions of Henderson and fellow midfielder James Milner ultimately swung the tie in Liverpool’s favour.
“Those subs were massive,” said Carragher when speaking to Sky Sports following the Premier League encounter.
“I thought the energy Jordan Henderson provided, as soon as he came on, was a big difference.
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“Liverpool’s passing at times in the game was a bit too slow. He just upped the tempo. Also bringing on James Milner, maybe people thought that was a strange one.
“But those problems coming down that side at times - and I think it was just a case of getting senior professionals on the pitch.
“No matter the sort of positions they were playing in. Jordan didn’t play in his normal holding hold. He was more advanced, hence why he got the goal.
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“It was definitely a great decision by Jurgen Klopp to make those two substitutions.”
With Pep Guardiola's City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend, Jurgen Klopp's men will remain at the summit until they play Chelsea on April 14 at the very least.
Saints, meanwhile, stay five points clear of the drop zone after their two-game winning run was ended.
