Thiago Alcantara shows true colours as Mohamed Salah prompts wild Liverpool response

Liverpool were forced to fight for victory in their encounter with Southampton, though got there in the end through a second-half Mohamed Salah brace. They needed plenty of support to do so and Thiago Alcantara was one of those on hand to help.

Arne Slot had his team focused on the goal of moving eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Southampton stood in their way and midway through the second period the opponent was getting the better of them having turned things around from Dominik Szoboszlai's opener.

With only a second defeat under the new head coach staring them down, Liverpool rallied and Salah netted twice in the closing stages to prompt wild celebrations from the away end as the win was confirmed.

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Plenty of Reds will have been celebrating from afar too, including the club's former midfielder Thiago. The 33-year-old recently retired from professional football after leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract last season.

He had taken up a role in Hansi Flick's coaching team at Barcelona in a temporary stint, now he continues to live with his family in the North West of England. Showing his support for Liverpool, he posted himself and one of his children on his Instagram story watching Sunday's Premier League clash as Salah netted his eventual winner from the penalty spot.

The Spaniard was a fan favourite during his time at Anfield, even though injuries blighted the end of his career. Earlier in the season he was in attendance for the home fixture against Nottingham Forest.

"It’s always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan," he said. "I had the fortune – life gave me the chance – to be here for four years as a football player," he said.

"I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well. Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It’s a pretty good time to be here."