Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points with a comeback victory over Southampton at Anfield. Despite an underwhelming first-half performance, two Mohamed Salah penalties secured the win after Darwin Núñez had equalized following Will Smallbone’s opener.
Liverpool’s display was far from convincing, particularly with a crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain approaching. Their sluggish start allowed Southampton, struggling at the bottom of the table, to grow in confidence and take the lead. A defensive mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson gifted Southampton the breakthrough. Van Dijk attempted to guide a throw-in back to his goalkeeper, but under pressure, Alisson failed to gather the ball, leaving Smallbone with a tight-angle finish through the Brazilian’s legs.
Liverpool’s frustration deepened when the VAR reviewed a potential red card offense by Núñez. The striker had been booked for an off-the-ball swipe at Kyle Walker-Peters, but the review upheld the original decision, allowing him to remain on the pitch.
Recognizing the need for a change, Liverpool made three substitutions at halftime, introducing Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson, and Curtis Jones. The impact was immediate, with Elliott nearly scoring seconds after his introduction, forcing a fine save from Aaron Ramsdale. The hosts now played with the urgency and sharpness they had lacked earlier.
Liverpool’s equalizer arrived soon after, with Robertson playing a key role in the buildup. The left-back set up Luis Díaz, who outpaced Walker-Peters before crossing for Núñez to convert at the near post. Minutes later, controversy struck when Smallbone’s challenge on Núñez led to a penalty, despite protests from Southampton. Salah stepped up and buried the spot-kick into the bottom corner, moving him to third on Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers’ list.
Southampton’s frustration grew when another penalty was awarded after Yukinari Sugawara handled the ball in a duel with Díaz. This mirrored a previous handball by Sugawara that had led to a penalty in the reverse fixture. Salah made no mistake from the spot, smashing his effort into the top corner to level with Sergio Agüero in the all-time Premier League scoring charts.
Southampton were left aggrieved by the officiating, believing the game had turned on the soft first penalty. However, Liverpool’s second-half intensity proved decisive as they moved closer to reclaiming the Premier League title.
