Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been criticised for his treatment of skipper Jordan Henderson.
The England midfielder was dropped to the bench for the trip to Southampton on Friday after being taken off in last weekend's win over Spurs.
Liverpool had struggled on the south coast as Klopp turned to Henderson and James Milner midway through the second half.
Henderson made a real impact at St. Mary's and scored his side's third goal to secure a vital three points in their push for the Premier League title.
But BBC pundit Garth Crooks has suggested it was unfair of Klopp to drop his captain in the first place.
Dejan Lovren shares video of Mohamed Salah lookalike 'cycling from Southampton'
"Captain fantastic took to the stage against Southampton and told Jurgen Klopp where he can stick his position on the bench," he writes in his BBC Team of the Week.
"Jordan Henderson had every right to feel elated, having replaced Georginio Wijnaldum and then scored a goal to put the game well beyond the Saints.
"Personally, I think Henderson has been treated rather harshly with Klopp relegating him to substitute.
Liverpool given hope in Adrien Rabiot transfer as star is suspended by PSG
"But it may have just got that extra impetus out of him and taken Liverpool one step nearer to that elusive title."
Liverpool put the pressure on Manchester City with the 3-1 victory with Pep Guardiola's men not in Premier League action.
The two key players for Liverpool in Premier League title run-in
That victory put Liverpool two points clear of the champions with five matches to play, although City still have a game in hand.
The Reds welcome Chelsea to Stamford Bridge next weekend after City travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace .
