Liverpool, the Premier League leaders, defeated Southampton 3-2 in an intense match on Sunday. Mohamed Salah’s second-half performance secured a vital comeback for the visitors, giving Liverpool an eight-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.
Liverpool found themselves trailing 2-1 before Salah stepped up to score twice, bringing his season tally to 10 league goals. This victory came after Manchester City’s surprising 4-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday, marking City’s third consecutive league defeat. Liverpool now stands at 31 points from 12 games, compared to City’s 23.
Liverpool’s Reaction to Southampton’s Early Goals
“They’re a good team, strong on the ball, and they scored two quick goals. But our reaction was key. We showed great determination and earned the three points,” said Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai in a post-match interview with Sky Sports.
While Szoboszlai expressed excitement about the eight-point lead, he reminded fans, “It’s just the beginning of the season. We need to stay focused and continue without worrying about other teams.”
Southampton’s Early Push and Costly Errors
Southampton initially made an impression when their attempt to play out from the back went wrong. Flynn Downes’s misplaced pass under Liverpool’s pressing found Szoboszlai at the edge of the box, and the unmarked midfielder calmly slotted it in for the opening goal.
“We analyzed their build-up play and knew they could make mistakes under pressure. That’s exactly what happened,” Szoboszlai shared.
Southampton quickly responded when Andy Robertson tripped Tyler Dibling near the box. Although the VAR upheld the penalty decision despite the foul occurring just outside the area, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved Adam Armstrong’s penalty. However, Armstrong scored from the rebound, bringing the score to 1-1.
The Saints took the lead early in the second half with a quick counter-attack. Tyler Dibling set up Armstrong, who spotted Mateus Fernandes making a run. Fernandes calmly finished to make it 2-1.
Mohamed Salah’s Heroics Secure the Win
Liverpool’s momentum shifted after Salah took control. The Egyptian forward scored the equalizer after latching onto Ryan Gravenberch’s lob and smartly beating Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Salah’s strike marked the eighth time Southampton conceded a goal from an error this season, a league-high statistic.
The match was sealed in the 83rd minute when a handball by Southampton’s Yukinari Sugawara led to a penalty. Salah converted with ease, securing the three points for Liverpool.
