Liverpool 3-1 Southampton: Reds come from behind to go 16 points clear

Liverpool staged a second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield.

The visitors took a shock lead just before half-time through Will Smallbone, but a three-minute burst early in the second half turned the game in the Reds’ favour.

Goals from Nunez and Mohamed Salah, the latter scoring twice from the penalty spot, ensured Arne Slot’s side collected all three points and moved 16 clear at the top.

Southampton arrived at Anfield as severe underdogs, and Liverpool dominated possession from the outset.

Curtis Jones had an early chance but dragged his shot wide, while Nunez also tested Aaron Ramsdale with a tame effort from distance.

In first-half stoppage time, Southampton capitalised on a defensive lapse.

A quick throw-in from Ryan Manning caught Liverpool’s backline off guard, with Smallbone pouncing on a miscommunication between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to slot home from close range.

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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 8, 2025

Slot’s team needed a reaction after the break, and it came swiftly. Six minutes into the second half, Luis Diaz produced a moment of brilliance, easing past Kyle Walker-Peters before cutting the ball back for Nunez, who converted a simple tap-in to equalise.

Just three minutes later, Liverpool completed the turnaround when Smallbone fouled Nunez in the penalty area. Salah stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick past Ramsdale to give the hosts the lead.

Southampton, struggling to find a way back into the game, failed to create clear-cut opportunities.

Their best chance after conceding came in the 70th minute when substitute Cameron Archer drove into the Liverpool box and forced a save from Alisson.

As the match entered added time, Liverpool were handed another penalty after VAR intervened to review Yukinari Sugawara’s handball under pressure from Diaz.

Salah stepped up again and rifled his effort into the top corner, sealing the victory and taking his season tally to 27 goals.

Liverpool’s dominant display was reflected in the statistics, registering an xG of 4.07 compared to Southampton’s 0.31.

The win ensures the Reds remain in contention across multiple competitions, with a crucial Champions League second leg against PSG on the horizon, followed by the League Cup final against Newcastle United.

Southampton, meanwhile, continue their battle to avoid relegation, despite the odds being stacked against them.