To put this game into perspective, Liverpool will make it an English-record 18 games with scoring and winning by 2 or more goals.
The Reds gave been on a tear and the lowly Saints who sit at number 14 had their work cut out for them.
Diogo Jota scored the fastest of this season in the Premier League, netting off an Andrew Robertson dish after 97 seconds.
Jota, who has been very decisive since joining from Wolves, would get on the scoresheet once again but it was all about Van Dirk.
After 400+ days, the defender was back at Anfield, thankful, and amongst the goals like old times.
Thiago Alcantara wrapped up the scoring as Liverpool dominated from start to finish.
Fun number: 13. This is number of times Thiago and Fabingo have started together. Their record is 12 wins and a draw.
The win takes the Reds to second place on the table, albeit teporarily, as City play Sunday.
At 28 points, Liverpool is one point behind leaders Chelsea, and travel to Merseyside next week to face Everton.
Around the league and Saturday’s schedule, Norwich and Wolverhampton ground themselves to a 0-0 draw.
Arsenal put two against Newcastle but lost Bukayo Saka to injury. Saka opened the scoring, while Martinelli came off the bench to score on his first touch after replacing Saka.
Steven Gerard made it 2 wins from two as Villa gaffer as Aston Villa helf off Crystal Palace, 2-1.
Brighton and Leeds cancelled each other, 0-0, as Raphinha returned for Leeds.