Liverpool moved 16 points clear of title rivals Arsenal as they came from behind to beat last-placed Southampton 3-1 in the Premier League.
The Reds were expected to sweep the struggling Saints aside at Anfield but made life difficult for themselves, entering the break behind after a costly mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson gifted Will Smallbone an open goal.
However, the Reds turned the game around within ten minutes of the restart. Darwin Nunez, who was fortunate to avoid a red card in the first half for kicking out at Kyle Walker-Peters, became the hero. He equalized with a finish from Luis Diaz’s cross before winning a penalty, which Mohamed Salah converted. Salah added a second spot-kick late on to seal a crucial victory, extending Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table.
Here’s how Liverpool’s players rated in their 3-1 comeback win over Southampton at Anfield
Alisson – 6/10
Made a couple of saves but was partly at fault for Southampton’s opener after a miscommunication with Van Dijk. Recovered well in the second half with a smart stop.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
A standout performance. Denied by Ramsdale in the first half and consistently troubled Southampton with his passing range. Solid defensively, too.
Ibrahima Konate – 6/10
Struggled at times against Sulemana’s trickery in the first half but improved after the break as Liverpool took control.
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
Dominant in the air but shared responsibility for Southampton’s goal. Steadier in the second half as Liverpool tightened up.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5/10
Looked out of sync with his teammates and had a tough time dealing with Dibling. Subbed at halftime after a booking.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
Mixed first half with some neat touches but also sloppy moments. Improved after the break before being substituted late on.
Curtis Jones – 6/10
Started brightly with a good chance early on but faded as the game became a slog. Replaced at halftime.
Mohamed Salah – 9/10
Quiet in the first half but stepped up when it mattered, coolly converting two penalties to secure the win. A match-winner once again.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact and lacked energy. Subbed at halftime as Liverpool looked to change things.
Luis Diaz – 8/10
Frustrating first half with little end product but turned the game around after the break. Set up Nunez’s goal and won the second penalty.
Darwin Nunez – 8/10
A game-changer. Scored the equalizer and won the first penalty within three minutes of the second half. Booked for a silly challenge but made the difference.
Substitutes:
Andy Robertson (46’ for Tsimikas) – 7/10
Added stability and attacking threat at left-back after coming on.
Alexis Mac Allister (46’ for Jones) – 7/10
Brought composure and control to the midfield, helping Liverpool dominate the second half.
Harvey Elliott (46’ for Szoboszlai) – 7/10
Injected energy and creativity, causing problems for Southampton’s defence.
Diogo Jota (68’ for Nunez) – 6/10
Worked hard but didn’t get many chances to make an impact.
Wataru Endo (81’ for Gravenberch) – N/A
Helped see out the game in the final minutes.
Jarell Quansah (89’ for Alexander-Arnold) – N/A
Came on late to provide fresh legs.
