Liverpool have gone 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table following their hard-fought win over Southampton on Saturday.
The Reds were poor in the first half, with several players seemingly not at the races, and the Saints found themselves ahead at the break.
A mix-up between Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk allowed Will Smallbone to score against Liverpool in first-half injury time.
However, Liverpool were much improved in the second half as they quickly turned the game around and added a third late on.
Darwin Nunez equalised for the Reds in the 51st minute and two Mohamed Salah penalties then turned the game around for the hosts.
There were plenty of talking points for Liverpool fans come full-time, including how Luis Diaz fared in the game.
Liverpool fans hail Luis Diaz work rate
Diaz, like Nunez, had a poor first half before improving after the interval, and played a big part in the Reds’ victory.
Liverpool fans not only praised his improvement in between halves, but also his impressive work rate.
One supporter wrote on X: “Luis Diaz’s work rate is not spoken about enough. He was so good today.”
Another said: “Diaz work rate was off the charts. It’s something that has to be factored in when he’s not scoring.
“He covers more ground and with great effect than any forward I can think of.”
The praise for Diaz kept coming, with one fan writing: “I thought Diaz was really good second half.
“Assisted, won a penalty, superb work rate, I thought he redeemed himself from his first half performance.”
Another said: “The quality isn’t always there, can be so inconsistent but one thing you can’t take away from Luis Diaz is his effort, drive and work rate. You can see why he’s trusted!”
Another wrote: “The run Diaz made for Nunez goal is the type of run he should be doing more regularly it makes him far more dangerous and creates higher quality chances.
“It’s a run Mane would make. Diaz has it in his locker.”
How Luis Diaz fared against Southampton
Diaz’s work rate was impressive all game, though he wasn’t as effective in the first half as he was in the second.
He struggled to get the better of Walker-Peters in the first half and often ran into dead ends.
However, Diaz was much improved in the second half as he teed up Nunez for the equaliser and forced the second penalty.
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Shots off target | 1 |
| Shots blocked | 2 |
| Dribble attempts (succ.) | 7 (3) |
| Touches | 68 |
| Accurate passes | 41/45 (91%) |
| Key passes | 6 |
| Crosses (acc.) | 2 (1) |
| Long balls (acc.) | 1 (1) |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Ground duels (won) | 15 (5) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Total tackles | 1 |
Nunez also had the archetypal game of two halves, leading to Tim Sherwood praising Arne Slot for sticking with Nunez.
Liverpool are next in action on Tuesday 11 March as they host Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Reds then contest the League Cup final on Sunday 16 March as they face Newcastle United at Wembley.
