Every time Michael Owen drives to Liverpool from his Cheshire home, he passes a motorway bridge daubed with the graffiti "On the eighth day God created Owen". Its author may not have realised as such, but "God" in the Liverpool dressingroom is the nickname for Robbie Fowler.
On the evidence of this performance, however, Owen could certainly have been created with Fowler in mind. Owen created two-thirds of Fowler's ninth league hat-trick, and the senior partner responded by playing a part in his colleague's clinical contribution to this breathtaking goalfest. Not bad for two players who have become accustomed in recent months to insinuations that they are too similar to strike a potent double act.
Now the question is whether they can take their telepathic understanding on to the international stage. The point was not lost on Liverpool's manager, Gerard Houllier, and Glenn Hoddle's representatives will have marked A-plus on their reports for the England coach before next month's friendly against the world champions France.
Houllier said: "People say they are not suited as partners, but they have proved they can be an excellent combination at any level. They are both wonderful players and they understand each other's game. I don't think the argument really works, does it?"
All this performance lacked for Houllier was his cherished clean sheet, Egil Ostenstad's second-half effort providing a crumb of comfort for Southampton.
For Dave Jones, a Merseysider of Everton descent, it was the "most crushing blow" of his managerial career, even worse than their FA Cup exit at Fulham a few days earlier. Defeat is one thing. Humiliation on "home" territory is another, and Jones' misery was compounded by the fact his family were watching from the stands.
He said: "It's my home city and, as a local lad, that makes it even harder to swallow. I've had some good results here but this is probably the lowest I have ever felt after a match."
Fowler scored twice before the break - reaching the milestone of 100 league goals in the process - before guaranteeing himself yet another match ball two minutes after the interval. Dominic Matteo, returning from 18 months in the wilderness, had ensured a 30 lead by half-time with his first strike in 106 appearances.
As Southampton capitulated, Jamie Carragher scored in the 55th minute and Owen was rewarded for his persistence when he ghosted into the space where the visiting centre-backs should have been four minutes after Ostenstad's goal from Matt Le Tissier's pass.
David Thompson's close-range strike 20 seconds after emerging as a 72nd-minute substitute for Paul Ince ensured Liverpool's biggest Premiership victory.
Their preparations start in earnest today for next Sunday's FA Cup tie at Manchester United. The sensible money is on 7-6.
Liverpool: James, Heggem, Babb, Matteo, Carragher (Kvarme 79), Bjornebye, Redknapp, Ince (Thompson 73), Berger, Owen (Riedle 73), Fowler. Subs Not Used: McAteer, Friedel. Booked: Carragher, Ince. Goals: Fowler 22, Matteo 35, Fowler 37, 47, Carragher 55, Owen 63, Thompson 73.
Southampton: Jones, Lundekvam, Hughes, Ostenstad, Howells (Oakley 62), Beattie, Bridge (Le Tissier 46), Hiley, Monk, Kachloul, Colleter. Subs Not Used: Dryden, Ripley, Stensgaard. Booked: Monk, Colleter, Hughes. Goals: Ostenstad 59.
Referee: U Rennie (Sheffield).
