Mohamed Salah converted two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to defeat rock-bottom Southampton for the second time this season, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points.
The Reds looked sluggish following their energy-sapping late win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, but at this stage of the season, results matter more than performances.
This victory moves them one step closer to the title while leaving Southampton at risk of recording the lowest points total in Premier League history.
The visitors briefly dared to dream when Will Smallbone capitalised on a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, slotting in from a tight angle.
However, Liverpool responded strongly after manager Arne Slot made a triple substitution at halftime.
Darwin Nunez, who was perhaps fortunate to stay on after the break, levelled the score with a composed finish from Luis Díaz’s cutback.
The Uruguayan then won a penalty after being fouled by Smallbone, allowing Salah to convert from the spot with his trademark composure.
Liverpool’s talisman sealed the win with another penalty late on – his 27th goal of the season – after a VAR review penalised Yukinari Sugawara for handball.
Mohamed Salah Makes History
Mohamed Salah has moved into outright third place on Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorers list.
The Egyptian forward surpassed Gordon Hodgson by netting his 242nd and 243rd goals for the Reds – both from the penalty spot – against Southampton on Saturday.
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in the summer of 2017, reached this milestone in his 390th appearance for the club.
