Mid-Day

Morgan Schneiderlin neatly converted a Jay Rodriguez knock-down in the sixth minute to put Southampton ahead at St Mary’s, before Rickie Lambert doubled the hosts’ lead with a deflected free-kick.

Liverpool players are distraught following Southampton’s third goal. PIC/AFP

Philippe Coutinho replied for Liverpool on the stroke of half-time, but Rodriguez made sure of victory in the 80th minute as Mauricio Pochettino's side pulled seven points clear of the relegation places.

Meanwhile, Arsenal won 2-0 at Swansea City to move to within two points of fourth-place Chelsea. January signing Nacho Monreal and Gervinho struck late in the game at the Liberty Stadium as Arsene Wenger’s side responded in positive fashion to their mid-week elimination from the Champions League.