Southampton pay the penalty as Liverpool move closer to the title
Liverpool 3 - 1 Southampton
Mohamed Salah converted two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to defeat bottom-club Southampton for the second time this season, stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points.
The Reds were far from their fluent best following their energy-sapping late win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, but at this stage of the campaign, securing results is all that matters.
This latest victory moves them another step closer to the title, while Southampton remain in serious danger of recording the lowest Premier League points tally in history.
The visitors dared to dream when Will Smallbone capitalised on a calamitous mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to squeeze the ball in from a tight angle.
However, Liverpool boss Arne Slot responded with a triple substitution at half-time, and the hosts looked revitalised after the break.
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Darwin Nunez, who may have counted himself fortunate not to be hooked at the interval, equalised after being picked out by Luis Diaz’s cutback.
Nunez was then brought down in the box by Smallbone, giving Salah the chance to put Liverpool ahead from the spot. The Egyptian made no mistake, sending Gavin Bazunu the wrong way.
The home crowd broke into chants of "Now you're going to believe us, we're going to win the league" after that goal, as the Reds tightened their grip on top spot.
Salah added another penalty late on, his 27th goal of the season, after VAR spotted a handball from Yukinari Sugawara.
Second-placed Arsenal still have a game in hand, but it already feels like Liverpool have one hand on the trophy.
Both sides made six substitutions during the game after Southampton captain Jan Bednarek was forced off early with a head injury. Under the current concussion rules, Liverpool were also permitted to make an additional substitution.
Mac Allister's performance underlines his importance to Liverpool
Of Liverpool’s three regular starting midfielders this season, Alexis Mac Allister has arguably received the least acclaim — but his importance to Arne Slot’s side is becoming increasingly clear.
Everyone was impressed by the Argentinian. Visit European Super Football for more reaction. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/premier-le...
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The Argentine was rested for the visit of Southampton, and Liverpool produced a dire first-half display, finding themselves 1-0 down against the Premier League’s bottom side. Yet Mac Allister’s introduction at the break transformed the contest almost instantly.
Within 10 minutes of his arrival, Liverpool had scored twice and effectively put the game to bed — a shift in momentum that was no coincidence.
Mac Allister’s ability to break the lines with his passing brought a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking play. Before his introduction, too many passes into the forward line were played to feet, leaving the attackers static and easy to contain. The Argentine, by contrast, consistently found his teammates on the half-turn, allowing them to play with greater fluidity and stretch the Southampton defence.
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His impact is not limited to possession, either. Mac Allister is tenacious in the tackle, intelligent in his pressing, and his positional awareness provides a crucial defensive shield in midfield.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Mac Allister offers the complete package for Slot — a progressive midfielder who combines technical quality with defensive discipline. And as Liverpool edge closer to a 20th league title, his influence may only grow.
