Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge looked to have put the visitors in cruise control but the introduction of the Senegalese at half-time proved pivotal in a remarkable game

Substitute Sadio Mane made amends for missing a penalty by netting a double to help Southampton battle from two goals down and beat Liverpool 3-2 at St Mary's in a Premier League thriller.

The Senegal international was only available to manager Ronald Koeman after having his red card against Stoke City last weekend overturned and put in a dramatic performance after coming off the bench at half-time.

Mane first failed to convert a spot-kick shortly after the interval before atoning halfway through the second half by pegging back the visitors.

Graziano Pelle levelled for Southampton with seven minutes left and there was more drama to come as Mane scored the winner in the 86th minute.

Liverpool - who were without the injured Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson – looked to be cruising at 2-0 up thanks to goals from Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge in the first half, but were left to rue what could have been as their top-four ambitions took a major blow.

Virgil van Dijk headed just wide in the sixth minute after a dangerous corner from the left, before Shane Long was unfortunate not be handed a penalty after he was seemingly brought down inside the area by Dejan Lovren.

Pelle then volleyed over the crossbar after a quick one-two with Steven Davis, with Long's shot blocked by Lovren shortly after as Southampton pushed hard for the opener.

Yet it was Liverpool who went a goal up against the run of play when Coutinho found the net in the 17th minute. The Brazilian picked up the ball down the left after Southampton lost possession in midfield, cut inside and beat Fraser Forster with a sublime long-range strike that curled low beyond the England goalkeeper.

Things got even worse for the home side five minutes later as the visitors struck again via Sturridge. Divock Origi set up his fellow forward inside the box after yet another quick breakaway and Sturridge beat Forster with a left-footed strike into the far corner.

Liverpool continued to cause Southampton all kinds of trouble with their counter-attacks and Forster came out on top after a one-on-one with Joe Allen.

Allen thought he had made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute when he fired home after a corner, only for the referee Roger East to disallow the effort for offside.

Southampton had the perfect chance to pull one back early in the second half when East awarded them a penalty following a foul from Martin Skrtel on Pelle, but Simon Mignolet pulled off a superb save to deny Mane from the spot.

Mane, however, did find a way past Mignolet just after the hour. A poor touch from Jon Flanagan allowed Pelle to set up the Senegal international inside the area and he beat Mignolet with an emphatic finish into the right corner.

Christian Benteke, who had come on to replace Sturridge, missed a gilt-edged opportunity to restore his side's two-goal lead when he fired just wide with 15 minutes left.

The hosts fought hard and were eventually rewarded for their courageous display in the 83rd minute when Pelle shot home from the edge of the box to make it 2-2.

The home fans were sent into raptures when Southampton netted a winner as Pelle eventually found Mane following a poor clearance from Mignolet and he coolly slotted in to complete an incredible comeback that prompted Koeman to charge down the touchline and celebrate with his players.

•  

   

  Full-time at St. Mary's as the referee calls time on an absolute thriller. Southampton, despite looking dead and buried at the break 2-0 down, complete an incredible comeback against Liverpool to win 3-2 at the expense of Jurgen Klopp's charges, who will be wondering just how they have managed to lose this match. The heroes on the day for the Saints proved to be Graziano Pelle, and Sadio Mane, who netted two from the bench after previously missing a penalty kick! Highly entertaining stuff this afternoon! Thanks for joining us, see you next time!
• 90'+1'

   

  Coutinho looks to provide some inspiration for Liverpool again this afternoon with a signature, dipping strike at goal from around 25 yards out. This attempt lacks the quality of his opening goal, though, and is fired a few yards over the bar with Forster not bothered between the sticks.
• 89'

   

  FOUR MINUTES of added time is the order of the day at St. Mary's and Southampton are doing all they can to waste some time after previously doing all they can to make the most of the time they had left! What an absolutely incredible turnaround! The Liverpool fans are stunned.
• 87'

   

  SubstitutionJoe Allen Oluwaseyi Ojo
  Last throw of the dice now from Jurgen Klopp now as he introduced young winger, Oluwaseyi Ojo, in place of Joe Allen, who saw a goal chopped off for offside in the first half. There isn't more goals in this one, is there?!
• 86'

   

  Yellow Card Sadio Mané
  Yellow card for Mane for his extravagant celebrations!
• 86'

   

  Assist Graziano Pellè
  A goal and an assist within five minutes for Pelle!
• 86'

   

   

   

  Goal Sadio Mané
  GOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!! GOOOAAAALLLLL FOR SOUTHAMPTON! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Mane, who missed a penalty at the start of the second half, completes the comeback for the Saints by running in behind the Liverpool defence and picking out a cracking left-footed finish into the bottom right corner! THREE-TWO!!
• 83'

   

   

   

  Goal Graziano Pellè
  GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR SOUTHAMPTON! WE ARE ALL-SQUARE! Pelle picks up the ball on the edge of the box around 25 yards out and shifts possession on to his left foot before firing a bullet of a strike into the top left corner! Two-two! CAN THEY GO ON AND WIN THIS?!
• 83'

   

  Assist Shane Long
  Typically hard work from Long, who finds Pelle after putting pressure on the Liverpool defence.
• 81'

   

  Just under 10 minutes remaining at St. Mary's and Koeman's charges are really running out of time to try and claim something out of this Sunday afternoon encounter. Liverpool have been pretty poor to allow them back into this as much as they have done, though.
• 79'

   

  Coutinho, who has been extremely quiet since scoring that excellent opening goal, goes on a marauding run down the left wing before cleverly earning the free kick out of Martina, who comes in rather clumsily to foul the Brazilian. Set-piece opportunity for Liverpool a few yards in from the left touchline.
• 77'

   

  Liverpool would have been expected a real assault on their goal after mane clawed that goal back for the home side, but the hosts are yet to build on their second-half comeback to mount a threat and get their equaliser. Still time, but it is steadily running out.
• 75'

   

  JUST WIDE FROM BENTEKE! Lallana glides forward with pace through the middle and bides his time before threading a perfect pass into the feet of his team-mate. The Belgian takes an assured touch and then drags an attempt teasingly towards the bottom corner, but unfortunately for him, it is dragged too much and goes the wrong side of the post. He probably should have scored!
• 73'

   

  Origi moves ahead with a powerful run down the right wing and then cuts inside before laying into the channel for the recently-introduced Benteke. The substitute's first touch of the match doesn't come off though as he goes for a back-heel into the path of Allen, who fails to read his team-mate's intentions, subsequently handing Southampton possession.
• 71'

   

  SubstitutionDaniel Sturridge Christian Benteke Liolo
  Jurgen Klopp follows suit and makes his second alteration of the match. Leaving the action is Daniel Sturridge, who just looks to be struggling with a small knock, and he will be replaced by Christian Benteke.
• 69'

   

  SubstitutionOriol Romeu Vidal James Ward-Prowse
  Third and final change from Ronald Koeman here and it sees James Ward-Prowse, who is a regular off the bench this season for the Saints, enter the action to replace Romeu. Totally new midfield duo for Southampton from the one they started with now.
• 67'

   

  Clyne, who didn't have the best of times during the week in the match against Manchester United, attempts to restore Liverpool's two-goal advantage with a powerful run into the central area and subsequent strike on goal, but it is straight down the throat of Forster, who gets down to make the block with ease.
• 65'

   

  Assist Graziano Pellè
  Superb work-rate from Pelle as he latches on to a mistake before teeing up Mane inside the box.
• 65'

   

   

   

  Goal Sadio Mané
  GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR SOUTHAMPTON! THE SAINTS ARE BACK IN IT! Flanagan takes a poor touch at the back which allows Pelle to pounce before threading into the box for Mane. The substitute takes an assured touch past Sakho before lashing an emphatic finish into the right corner! Fantastic finish! Two-one!
• 63'

   

  ROMEU! HOW CLOSE WAS THAT?! The former Chelsea midfielder, who has struggled to get into the game so far this afternoon, pulls the trigger from 30 yards with a brilliant strike aimed high towards the top right corner. It actually looks like Mignolet gets a touch on it, which means the Liverpool keeper pulls off a quite outstanding save!
• 61'

   

  Davis clips a teasing cross to the back post from a free-kick and Van Dijk rises above everyone to recycle the ball back into the danger area with a cushioned header, but Mane just can't stretch out his leg long enough to turn into the empty net! That was agonisingly close for Southampton!
• 59'

   

  A real chance passed up by Liverpool! Lallana displays some fancy foot-work on the edge of the area and then slides a precise pass into the box for the onrushing Can, but the former Leverkusen man can't connect well enough on his attempt on goal, which allows Forster to make the comfortable stop.
• 57'

   

  Allen takes a quick throw-in down the left wing and then receives the ball back to feet from the cushioned pass from Lallana. The Wales international then strides into the penalty and opts against going for the strike on goal despite being in a decent position, instead attempting a rather difficult pass once again for his team-mate. Offside, though, and Southampton get the free-kick.
• 55'

   

  Ten minutes into the second-half action and Liverpool will be extremely content that they have managed to survive the mini-assault from Saints in the moments after half-time. If Mane had scored that penalty we would have seen what Klopp's men are made off, but they can breathe a little easier with their two-goal advantage still intact.
• 53'

   

  Ronald Koeman has clearly given his players a piece of his mind at the break as they have come out with a high-tempo attitude and an increased intensity in their passing. They are on top at the moment, but should have clawed their way back into contention with that penalty opportunity.
• 51'

   

  Well, what a breathless opening to the second period here at St. Mary's as the substitutes who entered the action at the break get involved immediately. Both in a negative fashion for Mane and Skrtel, though, as one missed a penalty and one gave a penalty away!
• 49'

   

  Missed Penalty Sadio Mané
  Confirmation of the miss from Mane, who had the chance to make an instant impact off the bench, only to fail to take advantage of the spot-kick!
• 49'

   

  Penalty save Simon Mignolet
  PENALTY SAVED BY MIGNOLET! The Belgian makes himself big between the sticks and dives across to the right to beat away Mane's spot-kick!
• 49'

   

  Yellow Card Martin Škrtel
  PENALTY FOR SOUTHAMPTON! Davis threads a pass in behind the Liverpool defence, where the recently introduced Skrtel brings down Pelle with a pull of the shirt! Certainly soft, but probably the correct decision. Yellow card to the substitute.
• 48'

   

  An early second-half booking here and it comes to Can this time for a late challenge on Bertrand down the right wing. There actually wasn't much intent in the tackle, but the German has probably been punished for the reckless way he went in to the altercation.
• 48'

   

  Yellow Card Emre Can
  Yellow card Emre Can
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionJordy Clasie Victor Wanyama
  Confirmation of the second change as Victor Wanyama replaced Jordy Clasie in midfield.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionDušan Tadić Sadio Mané
  Double change from Ronald Koeman as Sadio Mane enters the action in place of the disappointing Tadic.
• 46'

   

  SubstitutionDejan Lovren Martin Škrtel
  A change to report at the break from Liverpool and it sees Lovren, who is indeed on a yellow card, make way for the retuning Martin Skrtel. Unclear whether or not there is an injury involved with the alterations, but probably clever from Klopp as his defender was certainly capable of getting another yellow.
• 46'

   

  We are back under way in this Barclays Premier League clash!
•  

   

  Half-time at St. Mary's. Liverpool are turning on the style this afternoon as they go into the break with a healthy 2-0 lead over the side one place above them in the table, Southampton. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring for the Reds with an outstanding curler into the bottom corner before Daniel Sturridge doubled the advantage with an excellent finish into the bottom corner past Forster. The Saints need to sort themselves out, even though they arguably should have been awarded a penalty. Second period to come!
• 44'

   

  Two minutes of added time allocated by the referee which sounds about right as the game has pretty much been free-flowing. Liverpool will go into the break two goals to the good unless Southampton can make a late rally before going in for their half-time team talk.
• 42'

   

  Southampton have a real opportunity to get some quality into the penalty area now with a free-kick down the right channel. However, Liverpool are let off the hook as Bertrand opts to go for goal before whipping a harmless strike up and over the crossbar, with his defensive team-mates rather annoyed they made the trip up for the set-piece for nothing.
• 40'

   

  There is just a bit of a lull in the game at the moment as both sides struggle to keep possession effectively. Liverpool won't mind the formula to the game too much, as long as proceedings are scrappy then the less chance they have of allowing Southampton a route back into contention.
• 38'

   

  Under 10 minutes remaining in the first half now and the Saints should really be looking to claw a goal back before the break, as the longer the match goes on the more confident Liverpool will get due to their relatively healthy advantage. Indeed, Klopp's men continue to look dangerous so it would be a big ask for the hosts to shut them out further for the remainder of play.
• 36'

   

  Southampton just haven't been able to muster up any kind of ascendancy going forward, as Liverpool are winning the ball back so quickly in the midfield areas that no threat can be made from the hosts. Koeman will probably be looking at changes, either personnel or tactically, as we approach the break.
• 34'

   

  GOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR LIVERPOOL! WAIT! NO! OFFSIDE! Allen latches on to a loose ball on the outside of the box and sends a well-taken half-volley low into the bottom corner. The visitors go away to celebrate for a few moments, but are left disappointed as they realise the linesman has his flag up, seemingly penalising Sakho for being ahead of the play. Good decision in the end.
• 32'

   

  When the line-ups were announced, it was assumed that Flanagan would be deployed at left-back as he has played in that position before. But it appears that Clyne is the man who has moved to the opposite flank, with the Liverpool captain bombing forward on the right touchline. He gets forward on this occasion to tease a neat cross to the back post, where Martina is forced into putting behind for a corner.
• 30'

   

  Speaking of the tutelage of the former Dortmund boss, it is clear for all to see that he likes his team to play a pressing game high up the park, and this has been no more noticeable than today, and perhaps recent win over Manchester City, as Southampton find themselves under massive pressure whenever on the ball at the back and in midfield.
• 28'

   

  Southampton really need to sort themselves out here as Liverpool look like they are capable of scoring any time they venture into the final third. The frontline of the Reds are displaying some outstanding link-up play at the moment, which is a testament to the improvement they have made under Jurgen Klopp recently.
• 26'

   

  BRILLIANT SAVE FROM FORSTER! Allen wins the ball superbly in midfield and catalyses a sweeping counterattack forward, with Lallana and then Sturridge involved in the build-up. Possession eventually comes back to the Welshman through on goal, but he loses the one-on-one as the keeper spreads himself before making the vital stop with his leg! Still two-nil!
• 24'

   

  Yellow Card Dejan Lovren
  First yellow card of the match now and no real surprise that it goes to Lovren for a late tackle on Long, who has been a thorn in the side of the Liverpool defender since the start of play. He'll need to watch himself from now on as there is plenty of time left on the clock!
• 22'

   

  Assist Divock Okoth Origi
  Some unselfish work from Origi, who lays perfectly to the right channel for Sturridge.
• 22'

   

   

   

  Goal Daniel Sturridge
  GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL FOR LIVERPOOL! A QUICKFIRE DOUBLE FROM THE REDS! Origi makes his way through the middle with a marauding before laying into the path of Sturridge. The England international takes on the defender with a lovely piece of skill before subsequently curling a beautiful finish into the bottom left corner! Two-nil!
• 21'

   

  The Southampton fans really are giving the referee a piece of their mind here, with loud boos sounding out around St. Mary's whenever they don't get a decision from the man in charge. Indeed, whenever they do get a decision they are cheering it like a goal!
• 19'

   

  The Reds haven't managed to put together a run of four consecutive league wins in nearly a year, but they have put themselves in a decent position to do so here with this early lead. A bit of a sucker punch for Southampton, who are still feeling aggrieved at the penalty kick that wasn't awarded.
• 17'

   

  Assist Adam Lallana
  A neat assist for Lallana against his former club with a precision pass to Coutinho on the left flank.
• 17'

   

   

   

  Goal Philippe Coutinho Correia
  GOOOOAAAAAALLLLL FOR LIVERPOOL! PURE INSPIRATION FROM COUTINHO! The Brazilian receives the ball to feet deep down the left wing and typically cuts inside on his right foot before whipping an outstanding strike low into the bottom right corner! Superb finish! One-nil!
• 16'

   

  Forster is called into action for the first time in the match as Sturridge drops deeper to see a bit more of the ball before finding a pocket of space around 25 yards out. He pulls the trigger with a stinging left-footed attempt, but it lacks the direction to truly test the Southampton stopper, who gets his body behind the ball to make the save.
• 14'

   

  Liverpool camp Southampton in their own half with a decent period of sustained possession, but there isn't much penetration into the box and into the danger areas as of yet. Roberto Firmino is missing today due to injury, so the burden is with Coutinho to try and get in between the lines to link the play between midfield and attack.
• 12'

   

  Long looks really up for this game this afternoon and seems eager to peel away to get alongside Lovren to make life difficult for the Liverpool defender. The Republic of Ireland international definitely has the pace advantage, so that is something to watch out for the Reds' backline.
• 10'

   

  The Saints work the ball well down the right wing, with Long and Davis linking up with a couple of decent little touches. Possession eventually bounces in to Pelle, who attempts to find the top corner with a half-volley, but the strike goes high and wide over the crossbar, with Mignolet not bothered between the sticks.
• 8'

   

  PENALTY SHOUT FOR SOUTHAMPTON! Long displays an impressive turn of pace to burst away from Lovren down the left wing before making his way into the area, only to go down under the retreating challenge from the Liverpool defender! The referee fails to point to the spot and the Saints fans explode with a chorus of boos!
• 6'

   

  A typically high-tempo start to proceedings here at St. Mary's as both sides show good attacking ambition in the early stages. There is rarely a dull game when Southampton and Liverpool face-off, and there is certainly added spice today due to the close proximity in positions in the league table.
• 4'

   

  A free kick is floated dangerously into the Liverpool area, and Mignolet ends up being awarded the free kick after being taken out by Van Dijk. The goalkeeper gets up quickly to catalyse an attack with a pass down the left wing for Can, who subsequently eats up the ground with a powerful run to take on Romeu.
• 2'

   

  It is worth noting this afternoon that Liverpool are captained for the first time by local Merseyside lad, Jon Flanagan, who recently signed a new long-term contract with the club. Certainly a very proud moment for the left-back, especially after coming back from a bad injury within the past few months.
• 1'

   

  We are under way at St. Mary's!
•  

   

  The teams are making their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for kick-off!
•  

   

  Liverpool subs: Ward, Skrtel, Toure, Smith, Henderson, Ojo, Benteke.
•  

   

  Liverpool (4-2-3-1):Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Flanagan; Can, Allen; Coutinho, Lallana, Origi; Sturridge.
•  

   

  Southampton subs: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Yoshida, Mane, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi.
•  

   

  Southampton (4-2-3-1): Forster; Martina, Van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Romeu, Clasie; Long, Davis, Tadic; Pelle.
•  

   

  TEAM NEWS...
•  

   

  The Anfield outfit have won four of their last six Premier League matches, averaging three goals per game in that run, but come up against a Southampton side who have been resurgent since the return of Fraser Forster between the sticks. Should the former Celtic stopper keep a clean sheet this afternoon, he will be the fourth quickest goalkeeper to reach 20 clean sheets in league history, after Petr Cech, Jose Reina, and Roy Carroll.
•  

   

  Southampton may have solid recent home form, but unfortunately for them this form doesn't translate into matches against the Reds. The sides have already faced each other twice this season, with the last league match ending 1-1 at Anfield, with Christian Benteke and Sadio Mane on target for their respective sides. However, it was the League Cup match at the start of December which hit the headlines as Klopp's men recorded an emphatic 6-1 win away at St. Mary's. Combine this with the fact that Liverpool have won their last two away league matches against the Saints 2-0 and 3-0, and it generates into a cause for concern for Koeman and his charges.
•  

   

  Today's match presents us with the opportunity to view two sides in relatively decent form. The Saints have lost only one of their last six home games, while Liverpool have been buoyed by back-to-back Premier League wins over Manchester City and Crystal Palace, with progression in the Europa League also confirmed after an aggregate win over arch rivals, Manchester United.
•  

   

  European football qualification is still on the agenda for both Ronald Koeman and Jurgen Klopp this season, with Southampton and Liverpool placed in 8th and 9th in the table respectively, both on exactly 44 points. Due to the similar positioning in the league, if aspirations of Europa League football or indeed Champions League football are to be met then matches like this will prove to be vital in the run-in.
•  

   

  Good afternoon football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Barclays Premier League clash between Southampton and Liverpool from St. Mary's.