Liverpool extend their lead atop the Premier League to 16 points.
Image credit: Liverpool FC
Liverpool came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Despite a slow start and an early goal from the visitors, the Reds showed resilience to turn the game around, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez playing crucial roles in the comeback.
First Half: Southampton Strike First
Liverpool, seemingly fatigued from their midweek Champions League exertions, started sluggishly.
Southampton took advantage of this and broke the deadlock early in the match. Will Smallbone finished off a well-worked move to give the Saints a shock lead, silencing the Anfield crowd.
The home side struggled to gain momentum in the opening 45 minutes, with misplaced passes and a lack of urgency in the final third.
A moment of controversy arose when Darwin Núñez was involved in an altercation with Kyle Walker-Peters.
The Uruguayan appeared to kick out at the Southampton defender, an incident that could have resulted in a red card.
However, the referee chose to let play continue, a decision that would later prove decisive.
Second Half: Liverpool’s Response
Jürgen Klopp’s halftime team talk had the desired effect as Liverpool emerged with renewed energy.
Núñez, eager to redeem himself, found the equalizer early in the second half with a clinical finish. The goal reignited Liverpool’s attacking prowess and put Southampton under pressure.
Liverpool continued to push forward, and their attacking efforts paid off when Núñez was brought down inside the penalty area.
The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Mohamed Salah stepped up to calmly convert, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Shortly after, Liverpool won another penalty when Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara handled the ball inside the box.
Once again, Salah made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure his brace and put the result beyond doubt.
Key Performers
Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian talisman was instrumental in the victory, scoring twice from the penalty spot.
Elite company 👏 pic.twitter.com/xN4bzHx3pm
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 8, 2025
His second goal saw him break the all-time Fantasy Premier League (FPL) record for total points in a season, reaching 306 points with nine games remaining.
Darwin Núñez – Despite a controversial first half, Núñez bounced back with a crucial equalizer and also won the first penalty.
His energy and determination helped Liverpool turn the game around.
Will Smallbone – Scored Southampton’s only goal and was a bright spark for the visitors before Liverpool took control of the match.
What This Means for Liverpool
With this win, Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points over second-placed Arsenal, reinforcing their position as title favorites.
The focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, followed by the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Liverpool’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, highlights their championship pedigree.
With nine league matches left, Klopp’s side continues its pursuit of multiple trophies in what could be a historic season.