Nathan Jones' Southampton reign got off to a losing start as Liverpool signed off for the break for the World Cup with a comfortable win at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino put the disappointment of missing out on a place in the Brazil squad for Qatar behind him by heading the Reds ahead before Saints equalised through the unmarked Che Adams.

In an entertaining game, two goals by Uruguay forward Darwin Nunez before half-time put Liverpool in control.

Nunez, one of seven Reds players heading for the World Cup as it stands, made it 2-1 when he poked past Gavin Bazunu from close range before tapping home the third after Andy Robertson's assist.

Liverpool would have won by more but for two outstanding stops by Bazunu, the 20-year-old denying both Mohamed Salah and Firmino at close range.

Afterwards, Reds fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold said: "We've had a mixed start to the season, very disappointing results and some good ones. You need consistency in this league and we haven't shown that this season. Last week was a big win and we've followed it up this weekend."

On Darwin Nunez, he added: "Definitely (he's shown growth since arriving). Coming over to the Premier League, with the price tag on his back, was going to be a heavy weight. It took him a few games to get going but we all saw in training the player he is.

"He's a proper centre-forward with speed but was playing on the wing today, he's versatile. We saw what he could do and he's hit a stride now, he's enjoying his football."