Liverpool had a big chance to go 16 points clear in the Premier League title race on Saturday with Southampton in town.
Saints have been having a terrible season, sitting rock bottom of the table having accumulated just nine points all season.
In the March sunshine at Anfield, Liverpool were heavy favourites to stroll to three points.
However, things are rarely so simple in the Premier League and Southampton came to Merseyside determined to upset the party.
Nevertheless, the Reds started well, dominating the ball and creating a sighting of Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.
But there was concern for Arne Slot just minutes into the match, with Luis Diaz colliding with the Anfield advertising hoardings.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Luis Diaz okay after heavy collision
Diaz was one of those to have a poor game against PSG in midweek. The 28-year-old looked incredibly sluggish in Paris.
But Slot kept faith in him from the start against Southampton, perhaps hoping for Diaz to begin playing himself back into form.
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Things took a turn for the Liverpool No.7 early on though, after Jan Bednarek thumped him into the hoardings behind the goal.
There was nothing wrong in Bednarek’s challenge, it was firm but fair but sent Diaz tumbling nonetheless.
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With Diaz staying down for some time and looking in considerable pain, there was worry for Liverpool supporter. But the Colombia international is made of stern stuff and was fine to carry on.
“Diaz down hurt after colliding with the advertising hoardings,” reported journalist James Pearce on X, before adding “He’s fine,” several minutes later.
Southampton suffer injury blow
Not long after Diaz’s issue, Bednarek had a problem of his own. The Southampton captain was forced off after colliding with his own player.
“A real blow for Southampton and Jan Bednarek as the captain has been forced off with that head injury,” journalist Eilidh Barbour reports for BBC Sport.
“Armel Bella-Kotchap is on in his place, and now they will be looking to get into this game as it has been all Liverpool so far.”
Despite their lowly status, Saints gave a good account of themselves in the early stages at Anfield.
With their captain forced off and Liverpool still at a full complement, they’ll have to step things up in order to take the three points.