Nathan Jones’ Southampton reign got off to a losing start as Liverpool signed off for the break for the World Cup with a comfortable win at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino put the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Brazil squad for Qatar behind him by heading the Reds ahead before Saints equalised through the unmarked Che Adams.
In an entertaining game, two goals by Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez before half-time put Liverpool in control.
Nunez, one of seven Reds players heading for the World Cup as it stands, made it 2-1 when he poked past Gavin Bazunu from close range before tapping home the third after Andy Robertson’s assist.
Liverpool would have won by more but for two outstanding stops by Bazunu, the 20-year-old denying both Mohamed Salah and Firmino at close range.
Reds keeper Alisson also produced a quality save to keep out Adams’ header in the 77th-minute.