Darwin Núñez played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton at Anfield, scoring a goal and winning a penalty for another, despite surviving a VAR review for a potential red card. His performance helped extend Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to 16 points.
In first-half stoppage time, Núñez aimed a kick at Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, prompting a yellow card from referee Lewis Smith, who was officiating just his sixth Premier League match. VAR official Derek Eaton reviewed the incident but determined there was no clear and obvious error in the referee’s decision. Despite this, the moment was controversial. Prior to the incident, Southampton had taken the lead, with Will Smallbone catching Anfield off guard by calmly finishing into the net after a communication error between Liverpool’s Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton had been impressive in the first half, and any frustrations they may have had at the break over Núñez’s continued presence on the pitch were compounded just six minutes into the second half. Núñez equalized for Liverpool, converting a pass from Luis Díaz, who had expertly isolated Walker-Peters on the wing.
The introduction of Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott at half-time brought new energy to Liverpool, and they quickly took control. Southampton, however, handed Liverpool a golden opportunity to take the lead when Smallbone clumsily fouled Núñez in the penalty area less than two minutes after the equalizer.
Mohamed Salah, ever the clinical finisher, made no mistake from the spot, scoring his 26th goal in 29 Premier League appearances this season. He then added another late in the game after a handball by Yukinari Sugawara, completing his brace and sealing the victory for Liverpool.
The 3-1 win not only sent Liverpool 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League but also left Southampton to reflect on what might have been had Núñez been sent off for his earlier incident.
