Mohamed Salah's late goal, and his post-match comments, revealed his and Liverpool's burning desire to prove all the doubters wrong by upsetting the odds and pipping Manchester City to the Premier League title.
Salah ended an eight-game drought to write his name in Liverpool's record books, becoming the fastest player in the Merseyside club's history to hit 50 league goals following his sensational solo effort in Friday evening's 3-1 success at Southampton.
The Egyptian's crucial 80th-minute strike at the end of a blistering run from deep inside the Reds' half brought up his half-century in 69 matches, three fewer than Fernando Torres, and helped move his team back to the top of the Premier League table.
Premier League winner odds (via Sky Bet)
He had previously not found the net since February 9, his longest barren run since signing from Roma for £34 million in 2017.
"I think as a striker you need to score. Always, I'm thinking to score," Salah told Sky Sports.
"That's goal number 50 for Liverpool in the Premier League, so that's special. I'm very happy to score a goal to help the team. That's the most important thing for us."
Reds back in front in title race
Liverpool sit two points ahead of rivals Manchester City at the summit, albeit having played a game more.
Jordan Henderson's late third sealed the comeback success at St Mary's after Naby Keita cancelled out an early opener from Saints forward Shane Long.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp says Salah's record in front of goal is "incredible".
"It was never in doubt that he was a great player in my side," said the German at his post-match press conference.
"It was goal number 50 for Liverpool (in the league), an incredible number."
Robertson and Henderson both went to hug Salah after his goal last night...
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) April 6, 2019
He ducked, and they ended up hugging each other! 😂 pic.twitter.com/Hwqwniny9d
Saints still in trouble
Southampton have moved away from relegation danger since the appointment of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in December.
Saints remain five points above the drop zone and, despite the defeat, Austrian Hasenhuttl feels his players are showing plenty of battling qualities.
"We showed once again that we are fighting for everything and, for 80 minutes, we made a very good game against a very good team," he said.
"We knew we needed a near perfect game against such a team. We had a very good game, but that wasn't enough. But I'm still very proud."
