At St. Mary’s, the prolific forward scored twice in the second half to give Arne Slot’s team an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.

The Premier League leaders on the south coast, Liverpool, overcame a severe scare at Southampton thanks to a comeback victory led by Mohamed Salah.
Following a careless start, Liverpool started to exert pressure at the halfway point of the first half. Dominik Szoboszlai seized the lead by curling into the top corner after Flynn Downes’s poor clearing. Adam Armstrong scored on the second try after Caoimhin Kelleher saved his first attempt, but they were held back before halftime when Andrew Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling on the edge of the penalty area.

After Mateus Fernandes put the final touches on a brilliant counterattacking move, Russell Martin’s team took an unexpected lead. However, Liverpool equalized when Salah beat Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to a long ball over the top from Ryan Gravenberch to poke into an empty net.

After that, the Reds took control and eventually found the winner when Yukinari Sugawara handled Salah’s cross. The Egypt international made a flawless 12-yard shot to put Arne Slot’s team eight points ahead of them at the top of the league.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):

Made a fine save to deny Downes before keeping out Armstrong’s spot-kick. Unfortunate that the rebound was converted, and could do nothing about Fernandes’ effort.

Conor Bradley (5/10):

In for the injured Alexander-Arnold but picked up an early booking that inhibited him defensively. Had a couple of combinations with Salah going forward, but couldn’t create anything of note.

Ibrahima Konate (3/10):

Lacked composure from the first whistle as his sloppiness led to pressure on the Liverpool goal. Booked in an untidy performance.

Virgil van Dijk (4/10):

Forced into a physical battle with the giant Onuachu before his crazy decision to attempt a backheel in the centre circle led directly to the penalty.

Andrew Robertson (5/10):

Had some nice combinations with Gakpo going forward early on, but his return to the line-up was soured when he fouled Dibling for the penalty. Still doesn’t look the player he once was.

Midfield

Curtis Jones (6/10):

Good pressing forced the mistake that led to Szobozslai’s opener, but couldn’t maintain any control in midfield before being replaced on the hour.

Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

Another outstanding display from the midfielder as he led the way in engine room. Superb ball over the top found Salah for Liverpool’s equaliser.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Excellent finish gave the visitors the lead, but he lacked composure at other times. Failure to challenge Dibling on the sideline led to Fernandes’ goal.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

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After a few early attempts, they were unable to establish themselves in the game until they were able to equalize by latching onto Gravenberch’s lofted pass. hit the post late in the game to nearly secure a hat-trick and made no mistake from the spot for the victory. Without him, where would they be?

Darwin Nunez (4/10):

Despite being directly up against Downes playing an unfamiliar role, the Uruguayan struggled to impose himself on the game and cut a frustrated figure at times.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

Delivered some teasing crosses into the box and tested McCarthy with a vicious first-half shot. Booked before being replaced on the hour.

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Subs & Manager

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):

Gave Liverpool more control in midfield after replacing Jones.

Luis Diaz (7/10):

Instantly added pace and intensity to the attack after coming on for Gakpo, and twice went close to finding the net himself.

Wataru Endo (N/A):

On for Nunez in the final minutes.

Arne Slot (7/10):

Injuries and late international returns forced his hand somewhat, but his side lacked intensity until they fell behind. Some may have questioned who he took off, but his substitutions certainly made the desired impact.