Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback win over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday saw the Reds make six substitutions, one more than the usual five allowed in Premier League matches.
Here is why Liverpool made 6 subs against Southampton
The reason lies in the concussion protocols that came into play during the game. The rule allows for an additional substitution when a player is replaced due to a suspected concussion. This happened in the first half when Southampton defender Jan Bednarek was forced off after a clash of heads with a teammate.
His substitution was made under the league’s official concussion protocol, which prioritizes player safety. According to Premier League rules, when one team makes a substitution due to a concussion, the opposing team is also granted an extra substitution to maintain fairness.
Liverpool had already used their standard five substitutions by the 90th minute. At halftime, manager Arne Slot made a triple change, bringing on Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott.
Later in the second half, Diogo Jota and Wataru Endo were introduced, taking the tally to five. However, the concussion protocol allowed the Reds to make a sixth change, with young defender Jarell Quansah replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final moments.
The situation even caught Mohamed Salah by surprise. As Liverpool staff prepared to bring on Quansah, Salah tried to stop them, fearing the team could be penalized for exceeding the substitution limit. The referee quickly clarified that the extra change was permitted due to the earlier concussion substitution.
Slot, serving the second game of his touchline ban, was aware of the rule and took full advantage. His triple change at halftime proved pivotal, with Mac Allister and Elliott injecting energy into a previously flat midfield.
Meanwhile, Southampton made five additional substitutions after Bednarek’s withdrawal, but their changes had little impact. Substitute Yukinari Sugawara conceded the penalty that allowed Salah to score his second goal of the game.
