Liverpool player ratings as Mohamed Salah ends goal drought in Southampton win

Mohamed Salah proved the hero for Liverpool as his late second-half strike helped secure a 3-1 comeback victory against Southampton at St Mary's.

With less than 10 minutes played, the Saints took a deserved lead when Shane Long was left unmarked in the box to fire home past Reds stopper Alisson.

Southampton had the bit between their teeth and they came close to doubling their advantage when former Saints defender Virgil van Dijk diverted the ball narrowly over his own crossbar following another Ryan Bertrand centre.

Liverpool pulled themselves level in the 36th minute when Naby Keita headed home Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross, despite suggestions Salah was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal.

The Reds struggled to break down the hosts in the second period but finally grabbed the lead when Salah ran through on goal, opting to go alone, before firing home a vital second.

Second-half substitute Jordan Henderson made sure of the victory when the skipper got on the end of Roberto Firmino's ball into the box.

Here, we rate the Liverpool players...

Mohamed Salah is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring second goal (AFP/Getty Images)

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Alisson 6

Completely let down by his defence to let Long control and score. Otherwise OK.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Top quality delivery to set up Keita. Grew in the game and enjoyed a good battle with Nathan Redmond.

Virgil van Dijk 5

Can take a fair share of blame for Long’s goal. Shaky at times defensively. Booed savagely.

Joel Matip 6

Same as van Dijk but gets an additional mark for pushing Redmond out wide when flying in on goal.

Andrew Robertson 6

Gave the ball away in the lead up to the goal. Otherwise maraud up and down the touchline with class.

The Liverpool defence were sluggish as Shane Long opened the scoring for Southampton (EMPICS Sport)

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Fabinho 5

Bypassed.

Naby Keita 7

Nabbed in to score important, potential title-saving goal. Started poorly but grew into the game before he was subbed.

Gini Wijnaldum 5

Needed a Milner or Henderson alongside him to guide him. Neither attacked nor defended.

Naby Keita celebrates his equaliser for Liverpool (AFP/Getty Images)

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Mo Salah 7

FINALLY!!!! Eight games without a goal and it looked like being a ninth before countering to perfection.

Roberto Firmino 6

Held up the ball like usual but failed to trouble Angus Gunn.

Sadio Mane 7

His battle with Yan Valery, who used to clean his boots, was thrilling. Had a couple of good chances to boot.