Boss: Saints win was hugely impressive

The Reds were formidable at both ends of the pitch at St Mary's, matching their typical gusto and prolificacy in attack with determination, concentration and resolve at the back to keep a clean sheet.

That the result was achieved at a ground where many have previously come unstuck - including Rodgers' side themselves last season, 3-1 - made the display all the more encouraging for the Northern Irishman.

Immediately after full-time on the south coast, he told Liverpoolfc.com: "To come here and win three goals to nil was hugely impressive. It was significant.

 "You only need to look at the results they've had here over the course of the season - very few teams have beaten them. And very few teams have kept a clean sheet here, because they are a very good side offensively.

"Tactically, the players were outstanding in how they blocked lines and blocked spaces. Then obviously with the ball we were a constant threat. It was an outstanding team performance; we got three goals and maybe could have had one or two more."

With the scoreline delicately balanced at 1-0, though, Simon Mignolet was required to complete an important save - springing low to his right to deny Jay Rodriguez moments before the half-time whistle.

The stop punctuated a defensive display much improved on the clash with Swansea City six days earlier, and the manager was keen to accentuate the contrast produced by the whole group.

Rodgers said: "It was a brilliant save. It was one of the few times that they actually got into our area and had a clean strike at goal. It was a great save.

"I thought, collectively, the team was outstanding. Last week, the defenders were unfairly highlighted - because we defend as a team, it's about the collective.

"But this week we showed that quality, tactical element and discipline to our game. That was the foundation for us going forward."

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With Arsenal having lost at Stoke City, the Reds lined up for kick-off against the Saints aware that a fourth consecutive league victory would catapult them into second place in the Barclays Premier League.

That was achieved and Liverpool now trail only Chelsea in the division with 10 fixtures remaining; however, the boss is retaining the same mantra as always: preparing for the next game.

"It's our job to stay calm," he added. "It's for the supporters to dream and I think they're enjoying watching their team.

"They are getting huge pleasure from the effort of the players, the spirit of the players but also, very importantly, the quality of the players. They have come away to a difficult place and won 3-0. It's just about concentrating on the next game.

"It was a big week for us, preparing for this game. Tactically, the players were great; they analysed the opponent and carried out what we asked them to do on the field.

"We now recover and get ready for our next game, which will be a tough game. 10 games to go and we're in a really good place."