Liverpool's Mané Steps Up to Sink Southampton

Talk about a long week with a short turnaround.

Liverpool didn't arrive back home from its UEFA Super Cup victory over Chelsea at midweek until early Thursday morning, and that wasn't the half of it.

During the victory celebrations in Istanbul, a delerious fan -- naturally and/or otherwise -- wound up putting a knock on Adrían's ankle that he was still feeling in this one.

Check the dude in the white shirt charging into the Reds' celebration a step ahead of security and slipping when he gets there:

 

The Saints used to be a Liverpool nemesis, but not so much anymore. This 1-2 loss was their fifth on the trot to the Reds dating back to November 2017.

Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino were on the glory ends of action to win it for the visitors. 

Despite his gimpy ankle, Adrían was in fine form to open the match, but his teammates were having a hard time giving him a lead to protect. 

Mané finally checked that box by unleashing a screamer. James Milner was the provider, playing the ball into Mané's feet down the left side. The Senegalese international stared down two Saints defenders and curled home from the edge of the box into Angus Gunn's top corner:

 

The Reds dominated and doubled the lead at 71-minute mark.

Mane was the playmaker this time, driving forward down the left and assisting Firmino, who slotted home in Gunn's bottom corner:

 

By this time, the 'Pool was painting the town Red.

What could go wrong?

Ask Adrían, who gave former Liverpool striker Danny Ings an early Christmas present in the 83rd minute:

 

Adrían's had quite the introduction to his new team, and so far has given the lads more joy than headaches.

But the season is young. More adventure surely awaits.