Premier League leaders Liverpool overcame a spirited Southampton side in a dramatic 3-2 victory at St Mary’s on Super Sunday, opening up an eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Despite wet and windy conditions on the south coast, Liverpool fought back from a goal down, with Mohamed Salah’s crucial double proving decisive.
The game began with controversy as Southampton nearly got off to a dream start. In just the seventh minute, Adam Armstrong twisted inside Ibrahima Konaté and went down in the box, sparking appeals from the home crowd for a penalty. However, referee Sam Barrott and VAR official Michael Oliver waved play on, leaving Southampton frustrated.
Liverpool’s start was far from convincing, but they slowly found their rhythm and began to test Alex McCarthy, making his first Premier League start in three months. The Saints goalkeeper initially held firm but gifted Liverpool the lead in the 21st minute. Under pressure, McCarthy rolled the ball to Matheus Fernandes, whose attempted clearance was intercepted. Dominik Szoboszlai capitalized, firing a pinpoint strike into the top-left corner. It marked the seventh error leading directly to a goal for Southampton this season—the most in the league.
Southampton, however, refused to fold and leveled the score just before halftime. After a lengthy VAR check, it was determined that Tyler Dibling had been fouled by Andy Robertson just inside the box. Though Caoimhin Kelleher saved Armstrong’s initial penalty, the forward reacted quickest to slot in the rebound, sending the home fans into raptures.
The Saints carried their momentum into the second half, completing the turnaround in the 57th minute. Dibling showcased his quality, winning the ball near the halfway line before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Armstrong. Holding up play masterfully, Armstrong squared for Fernandes, who surged into the box and finished clinically to make it 2-1.
However, Liverpool responded in style, with Salah leading the charge. Ryan Gravenberch lofted a ball forward, and the Egyptian superstar capitalized on McCarthy’s rash decision to rush off his line. Salah’s cool finish sent the ball trickling past the stranded goalkeeper to equalize at 2-2.
The decisive moment came late in the game when Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Yukinari Sugawara handled a cross at the back post. Salah stepped up and confidently converted, smashing the ball past McCarthy to secure the three points for Liverpool.
The result sees Liverpool solidify their position at the top of the Premier League, maintaining their lead over Manchester City, while Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the table, struggling to find a way out of the relegation zone. The win also highlighted Liverpool’s resilience, as they continue to show their credentials in the title race.
