Liverpool vs Southampton Report

Scorers: Nunez 52’, Salah 53’ (P), 87’ (P); Smallbone 45+1’

Liverpool strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a 3-1 comeback victory over bottom-placed Southampton at Anfield.

Darwin Núñez’s first home goal since November, along with a Mohamed Salah brace, secured the win, extending the Reds’ lead at the top of the table to 16 points.

Sluggish First Half Sees Southampton Take Shock Lead

Fresh from a resilient 1-0 triumph over PSG in midweek, Liverpool returned to Anfield as firm favourites against a struggling Southampton side. However, despite facing the league’s weakest defence, the hosts found it difficult to break down their relegation-threatened opponents.

Curtis Jones sent an early effort wide, while Darwin Núñez forced a comfortable save from Aaron Ramsdale, but clear-cut chances were scarce in a frustrating opening 45 minutes.

Just when it seemed the half would end goalless, a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker gifted Southampton an unlikely lead.

Capitalising on the defensive lapse, Will Smallbone slotted home at the near post in stoppage time, registering his first-ever Premier League goal and leaving Anfield in stunned silence.

Liverpool Respond After Slot’s Tactical Changes

With manager Arne Slot serving a touchline ban, Liverpool’s sluggish first-half display prompted major halftime changes. Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott were introduced in a bid to spark the hosts into life.

The changes had an immediate impact, but it was two players who started the game that combined for Liverpool’s equaliser in the 52nd minute.

Luis Díaz showed great determination to reach the byline before cutting the ball back for Núñez, who expertly guided his finish past Ramsdale—ending his long wait for a home goal.

Moments later, the Uruguayan won a crucial penalty after being fouled in the box by Smallbone. Salah stepped up and made no mistake, sending his effort beyond Ramsdale’s reach to complete Liverpool’s turnaround.

Salah Seals Victory with Late Penalty

As the game entered its final stages, Liverpool remained in control, and Southampton’s defensive frailties were once again exposed.

The Saints conceded another penalty when Yukinari Sugawara was penalised for a handball, presenting Salah with another opportunity from the spot.

The Egyptian talisman confidently dispatched his second penalty, sending Ramsdale the wrong way and drilling his effort into the top corner.

Salah’s brace took his PL tally for the season to 27 goals, further cementing his influence in Liverpool’s title charge.

The victory not only pushes the Reds closer to their 20th top-flight title but also serves as the perfect warm-up ahead of their return clash with PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

Southampton Edge Closer to Relegation

While Liverpool march towards domestic glory, Southampton’s struggles continue, with this latest defeat leaving them 13 points adrift of safety. With time running out, their return to the Championship looks increasingly inevitable.

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Liverpool v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League