Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 1, 2014 © Getty Images

The visitors made the breakthrough with 15 minutes played through Luis Suarez, who slotted past Artur Boruc after the ball bobbled off Jose Fonte and into the striker's path.

Southampton looked to bounce back through Rickie Lambert's half-volley, but the well-hit strike failed to trouble Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

Moments later the home side came even closer to levelling the contest, with Lambert heading down a cross for Adam Lallana, who scuffed his effort against the post.

Mignolet was forced into a save to deny Jay Rodriguez on the brink of half time as Southampton turned up the pressure further, but Brendan Rodgers's men held out for the half-time lead.

Raheem Sterling of Liverpool celebrates his goal with Glen Johnson during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on March 1, 2014 © Getty Images

Southampton would live to rue the missed chances as substitute Raheem Sterling doubled the Reds' advantage just short of the hour mark, converting a Suarez cross from six yards out to make it 2-0.

Liverpool went in search of a third goal, with Suarez having arguably the best of a trio of chances when played through on goal, but he shot wide of the post.

Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on March 1, 2014 © Getty Images

The Merseysiders were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute of added time, with Steven Gerrard stepping up to score the visiting side's third goal of the evening to secure the three points.