Matt Le Tissier scored a hat-trick - including the Premiership's quickest goal of the season after just 28 seconds - as Southampton romped to a comfortable win over Liverpool in front of the Dell's biggest crowd of the season.
Only a late revival as snow began to cover the surface, enabled Liverpool to salvage some pride with two late goals.
The crowd of 18,306 gave new manager Alan Ball a rousing reception before the start of his first match in charge at home and they had plenty to cheer about.
After 28 seconds, Le Tissier blasted a superb half-volley home from fully 25-yards to give Bruce Grobbelaar no chance.
Liverpool were still reeling when revitalised Saints struck again after six minutes. Once more Le Tissier was involved when his corner was headed back across goal by Iain Dowie and new signing Craig Maskell finished off the move with a header from three yards.
Liverpool struggled to cope with the waves of Southampton attacks and went further behind in the 43rd minute.
Julian Dicks tangled with Maskell and referee Peter Foakes pointed to the spot. Le Tissier stepped up to blast his spot-kick into the roof of the net with Grobbelaar going the wrong way.
Liverpool's hopes of climbing to fourth place in the table were killed off completely in the 51st minute when they went 4-0 down.
Le Tissier was haltered on another fine run by Mark Wright's challenge and, on advice of the linesman, referee Foakes again awarded a penalty.
Grobbelaar was helpless again as Le Tissier completed his hat-trick.
Liverpool's new manager Roy Evans sent on Jamie Redknapp in place of the ineffective Nigel Clough in the 57th minute and Liverpool's fortunes changed.
Ian Rush was fouled in the area by Kenny Monkou and Julian Dicks stepped up to score with a spot-kick which Beasant managed to parry but was unable to keep out.
Then Liverpool stormed back to score a second goal with four minutes remaining. Beasant failed to hold a long range shot from Dicks and Rush was first to react to the rebound.
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