Jurgen Klopp went over to Ralph Hasenhuttl and gave him a fist pump just before the end.
It was a mark of grudging respect, a show of appreciation still just about allowed in these socially distanced times after the pair had just endured the most remarkable battle of wills on the touchline.
This was a brilliant game, full of energy, passion, pressing and further proof that even the reigning champions are vulnerable and beatable in this unprecedented and unique season.
At the final whistle, Southampton manager Hasenhuttl sank to his knees, he had tears in his eyes because the victory meant everything to him. The managers screamed throughout and showed as much passion as any of their players during a brilliant game.
Suddenly, we have a proper title race on our hands and if Manchester United win at Burnley next week they will go three points clear and it is the latest in a season they have been top since they last won it under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012/13.
Manchester City are there as well, closing in on a Liverpool team who are human after all, brought back down to earth by a crippling injury list and demanding fixture schedule which is proving to be the ultimate test.
This time it was Danny Ings with his 50th Premier League goal, scored his old club after just two minutes and Liverpool just could not find a way back.
Incredibly, Liverpool, for all their pressure and 67 per cent possession, they did not manage a shot on target until the 75th minute which is the latest in a game since they played Newcastle in December 2015.
Liverpool gave everything but it was a patched-up team, two centre halves - Jordan Henderson and Fabinho - filling in at centre half with an unfamiliar looking midfield in front of them.
Even their normally deadly front three of Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane could not find a way through against a strong, resolute and determined Southampton defence.
In this crazy, madcap season, everyone can beat anyone and no-one can put a run of form together. It is nigh on impossible to predict results other than they will remain unpredictable for the rest of the season.
Liverpool are dropping points like they would not have dreams of last season, this was their second defeat of the season and they just did not click.
It all got off to the worst possible start for Liverpool when they conceded after just 1 minute and 51 seconds which was Ings’ fastest goal in the top flight and came because of a clumsy foul and a lack of organisation at the back.
Thiago Alcantara, making his first start since October, had a frustrating night and gave away a free kick which James Ward-Prowse floated into the box.
Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to clear and Ings somehow managed to lob Liverpool keeper Alisson with an exquisite cross shot into the far corner.
Frankly, Southampton had the better chances. Substitute Nathan Tella curled an effort just wide from the edge of the box after Liverpool’s makeshift defence parted like the Red Sea, albeit dressed in peppermint green shirts.
Liverpool came out for the second half with a new purpose and energy as they pinned Southampton back. It was as if the home side were camped on the edge of their own box, manning the barricades defending wave after wave of attacks.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s shot hit Saints defender Jack Stephens on the arm but referee Andre Marriner and the VAR were having none of it. It looked a penalty but it feels like not even the officials are sure anymore.
Stephens then made a heroic block to stop Mane getting a shot on goal which just about typified Southampton’s brave rearguard action which held firm right until the bitter end.
