Lambert in disbelief over Liverpool win

The 31-year-old saw his first-half free-kick deflect in off Daniel Sturridge to put relegation-threatened Saints on course for an invaluable 3-1 victory at St Mary's.

Lambert's 13 goals makes him the top English scorer in the Barclays Premier League this season and has led to talk of a call-up to Roy Hodgson's national team.

It is a far cry from the beetroot factory he worked in little over a decade ago and the years spent plying his trade in the lower leagues.

"I am still pinching myself," Lambert said. "I am really enjoying the season.

"Obviously there have been some lows but the highs have been unbelievable and I am confident there are plenty more to come in my career, hopefully at Southampton.

"It is going really well but we're still not safe, there are still points to be taken, but the lads are absolutely buzzing after that result.

"I think everybody knows the relationship I have with Liverpool.

"It was a massive game and my family were there, but obviously I am professional and my main focus was to try and get three points.

"I am just over the moon that my goal helped get three points."

It is a victory that gives Southampton a seven-point cushion over the drop zone ahead of Sunday's fixtures.

"It was massively important that we got the three points," Lambert said.

"I think we have been unlucky these last few weeks and deserved a few more points than what we've got.

"But I don't really like saying that, I am just happy to say we got the three points.

"You can say all day that you're unlucky and that, but it is the points that matter and we managed to get the points along with a great performance, which is even better."

The defeat of Liverpool was a relief for Southampton as all too often their performances have not been rewarded with points.

Saints have been praised for the high pressing game employed since Mauricio Pochettino replaced Nigel Adkins, although Saturday was just his second win in eight matches at the helm.

"As long as we perform like that for him, he is fine no matter what the result is," Lambert said of the Argentinian.

"When we're not following what he is trying to say, that is when he gets frustrated.

"I think we've done well the last few games and been a little unlucky, but we have now managed to get the three points."

Lambert was also quick to praise fellow frontman Jay Rodriguez, who provided the assist for Morgan Schneiderlin's opener and made sure of victory by scoring 10 minutes from time.

The former Burnley man has not enjoyed the easiest of times since his £6million move from Burnley but was inspired form against Liverpool, putting in his best performance in a Saints shirt.

"I think Jay is a terrific player," Lambert said. "I think striker is his best position and when we have played in that position together we've damaged sides.

"It was good to see him get that terrific goal at the end. I was absolutely over the moon for him."

Things may be looking up for Southampton but Liverpool were left disappointed after a loss that is a major blow to any feint hopes they had of a top-four finish.

Philippe Coutinho's goal on the stroke of half-time gave Brendan Rodgers' side cause for optimism, although a comeback failed to materialise.

"If you can beat Tottenham at home, you should come here and win," winger Stewart Downing told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.com.

"If you want to be in the top four, you have to come to places like this and win.

"That's easier said than done. It's difficult with them being in a relegation fight and playing for the new manager as well.

"I still think we had chances in the game considering we didn't play well. We started too late and the game was over."