Liverpool ended a rollercoaster campaign in entertaining fashion when they were embroiled in an eight-goal thriller at Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Two goals from Diogo Jota and one each from Roberto Firmino and Cody Gakpo earned the Reds a remarkable 4-4 draw against the relegated Saints. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side ended the season with an 11-game unbeaten run as they prepare for Europa League football next term.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at St Mary's Stadium.
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Bobby blasted
It was an emotional day for Firmino, who was playing the final match in a hugely-successful eight-year career at Anfield. And his departure shortly before the hour prompted a standing ovation from not just the away end, but the home supporters also.
However, there was little room for sentiment as far as Jurgen Klopp was concerned. That was never more apparent than during the first half, when Firmino hit a short-range pass to Curtis Jones with such venom that his team-mate found it simply too hot to control.
Standing mere yards away on the touchline, and irate Klopp flung his arms out in the direction of Firmino to ponder exactly what he was trying to achieve. Never change, Jurgen.
Milner shoved
There were some touching scenes at the end of the game, as the Southampton PA system blasted out "Don't Look Back In Anger" by Oasis. A clear reference to the Saints' dismal season, it could also apply to Liverpool's topsy-turvy campaign.
As the home players prepared for their lap of appreciation, the Reds went over to the away end to show gratitude for their support on the road this term. Firmino was ushered towards the travelling Kop to take their accolades, but fellow leaver James Milner was a lot more reluctant.
In the end, it took a huge shove from Jones and Gakpo to force the midfielder to assume the spotlight briefly. The Liverpool supporters loved it.
Arthur ignored
Not so much a moment missed as a player and season missed. Such has been the case for Arthur Melo, who will return to Juventus after a campaign on loan during which, for a variety of reasons, the midfielder never actually appeared in the Premier League.
There were those 13 minutes in the Champions League at Napoli way back in September, along with a run-out in the Papa John's Trophy a few weeks later. The top flight eluded him, though, despite being included on the bench seven times.
That included at Southampton where, with minutes remaining, Klopp still had a substitution in hand. The call, though, never came. Arthur will remain a mystery to most Liverpool supporters.
Klopp keen to leave ground
It has been a long, long, long, long, long season. And Klopp was ready to make tracks not long after the final whistle blew on a strange campaign.
In fact, the Liverpool boss turned up for his post-match press conference with a small suitcase in preparation for a quick getaway to the airport for the flight home. But not before one final grilling from the written media.
"Someone told me holidays had now started and now this - it's the opposite!" quipped Klopp as he took his seat inside St Mary's. The gathered hacks chuckled in agreement. It's time for a rest.
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