ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL Liverpool signed off for the World Cup break with a win as they beat Southampton 3-1 in Nathan Jones' first game in charge of Saints.The Reds took a sixth-minute lead when Roberto Firmino headed in a free-kick but were quickly pegged back when Che Adams netted in similar fashion.However, Saints' hopes of pulling off an Anfield smash-and-grab on their new manager's debut did not last long, with Darwin Nunez twice getting on the scoresheet before the break.And that is how it ended despite a Anquan Boldin Jersey spirited second-half performance from the visitors, who slipped into the bottom three with defeat.Heading into the break with a win Liverpool FC (@LFC) MORE: 1H 2H Final Liverpool303Southampton101Goals:LIV:Firmino (6th min)SOU:Adams (9th min)LIV:Nunez (21st min)LIV:Nunez (42nd min) The early-season discu sion around Darwin Nunez has been that he brings unpredictability and chaos to Liverpool's front line.However, today's performance looked suspiciously like that of a complete centre-forward.As well as grabbing two important goals, the Uruguayan played some wonderfully deft pa ses in build-up and bullied Southampton's backline throughout.That he is only likely to get even better in the second half of the season should excite every Reds fan.53 - With his two a sists in the first half against Southampton, Andrew Robertson has equalled Leighton Baines as the defender with the most a sists in Premier League history (53). Supply. OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) You could be forgiven for seeing today's 3-1 scoreline and believing that Liverpool enjoyed a routine afternoon at Anfield.But this was anything but a straightforward game for the Reds, who were left Dennis Gardeck Jersey hanging on somewhat following an impre sive second-half showing from Southampton.Jones' side carved out enough chances in that second period to turn the score completely on its head, but they just couldn't do the most important thing: beat Ali son Becker.Liverpool's goalkeeper was practically unbeatable today and, should he show this sort of form at the World Cup, it is hard to see beyond Brazil for the title.MORE: That Ali son was so busy in the latter stages of this game perhaps shows that there are still some i sues for Jurgen Klopp to solve.The most obvious of those is that his midfield is still struggling to control games on a regular basis, and so sustaining attacks or preventing opposition counters are both proving troublesome.Jordan Henderson may have been absent here but there is an argument that Klopp had his first-choice midfield on the field anyway.As such, it seems obvious that if the German wants things to improve in the engine room for the second half of the season, he must dip into the January market to strengthen that position. FULLTIME:All over at Anfield and Liverpool head into the World Cup break looking in far better shape in terms of their top-four hopes.As for Southampton, they drop into the bottom three and need a big second half of this interrupted season.90th min:Che Adams leaps for a bouncing ball in the Liverpool box but Van Dijk is in control and nods back into the hands of Ali son.85th min:Anfield not quite as loud as you'd expect in these final stages with the visitors doing all the pushing for a goal that would tee up a thrilling end to the game.77th min:Southampton so nearly get the goal they carve!Maitland-Niles swings in an inch-perfect cro s and Adams' header looks goalbound until Ali son gets a strong hand out to palm it away.73rd min:Liverpool's lead might look comfortable on paper but Southampton have had chances and a goal here would make for a nervous finish.64th min:Three huge chances in quick succe sion!The first sees Ali son deny Elyounou Kyler Murray Jersey si at close range before Salah is muscled off a one-on-one by Bella-Kotchap at the other end.Then, Ali son again comes to Liverpool's rescue with a stop from Edozie after he had been played in behind.58th min:A triple sub for Southampton with Walcott, Maitland-Niles and Edozie coming on for the two Armstrongs and Caleta-Car.52nd min:Liverpool controlling things here - have they largely have done since the Southampton equaliser.46th min:Back under way here as Liverpool get the game restarted.HALFTIME:The whistle sounds at Anfield and Liverpool take a 3-1 lead into the break.Darwin Nunez has had one of his best games in a red shirt so far and the hosts deserve their advantage.42nd min:GOAL!Nunez at the double for Liverpool.Another simple finish for the Uruguayan, who slides in to finish off a low Robertson cro s after Firmino plays him in down the left-hand side.FLAWLESS execution from Liverpool to extend their lead 3-1. | NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) 30th min:Bazunu saves Southampton again!The Irishman springs into action to deny Firmino, who was fed by an inventive flick from Nunez after yet more good play from Liverpool.21st min:GOAL!Another goal for Liverpool and it's Nunez who gets it.The Uruguayan bends his run before latching onto an Elliott dink in behind and coolly pa sing it beyond Bazunu. He is really hitting form Kurt Warner Jersey now for the Reds.Just a thing of beauty.Darwin Nez gives Liverpool the 2-1 lead. | NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) 16th Zaven Collins Jersey min:Liverpool almost get themselves back in front.Nunez gets away down the left and sends a perfect low cro s into Salah's path at the back stick but Bazunu is down to make a wonderful save.9th min:GOAL!An immediate response from the visitors!Ward-Prowse puts in a typically excellent inswinging free-kick from the Southampton left and sets up Adams for a simple header past Ali son.WHAT A RESPONSE.Che Adams evens the match just minutes after Liverpool's goal. | NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) 6th min: GOAL!Liverpool take an early lead as Firmino heads in.It's not the most powerful header you'll ever see but the Brazilian places it brilliantly into the far corner from a Robertson free-kick delivery.Bobby Firmino scores his 9th goal of the season in a fast start for Liverpool! What a header from the man who mi sed out on Brazil's squad!Stream LIVE, or on demand after, here Optus Sport (@OptusSport) It's Liverpool EARLY!A wonderful header from Roberto Firmino gives them the lead. | NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) KICKOFF:Southampton get the game under way.30 mins to KO:A shock resul