Liverpool secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against struggling Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, maintaining their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Despite a scrappy performance, the Reds’ persistence paid off as Mohamed Salah’s penalty sealed the win, setting up a tantalizing showdown with Manchester City next weekend.
Arne Slot, mindful of player fatigue after the international break, opted to bench Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz. The absence of the South American stars contributed to a sluggish start, with Liverpool unable to impose themselves early against the bottom-placed Saints.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai. Southampton’s penchant for risky passes from the back backfired when goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s poor distribution handed possession to Szoboszlai, who rifled a shot into the top corner. It was the Hungarian midfielder’s first league goal since January, highlighting his quality in key moments.
Southampton, however, responded before the break in chaotic fashion. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk gifted the ball to the opposition, and Andy Robertson compounded the error with a foul in the box. Although Caoimhin Kelleher saved Adam Armstrong’s penalty, the ball rebounded kindly for Armstrong to tap in and level the score.
The second half saw Liverpool caught out again. Fernandes completed a swift counterattack following a Reds set-piece, exposing Liverpool’s defensive frailties on the transition. With his side trailing, Slot introduced Mac Allister and Diaz, whose immediate impact rejuvenated Liverpool’s attack.
Mohamed Salah equalized in the 73rd minute, latching onto Ryan Gravenberch’s lofted pass and slotting home after McCarthy hesitated. Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure, with Diaz forcing a fine save and Salah hitting the post in search of a winner.
The decisive moment came from the penalty spot after a Southampton handball. Salah coolly converted for his 10th league goal of the season, securing all three points for Liverpool. The Egyptian nearly completed a hat trick but missed two late chances, including a curling effort over the bar.
The win keeps Liverpool firmly in control at the top of the table, but their defensive lapses against the league’s bottom side will concern Slot ahead of back-to-back games at Anfield. The eagerly anticipated clash with Manchester City looms large as the potential title decider.
With City chasing and Liverpool aiming to widen their lead, next Sunday’s showdown promises to be pivotal.
