Darwin Nunez
Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 thanks to a superb display from Darwin Nunez
Liverpool survived a scare against relegation battlers Southampton as they came from behind to secure a 3-1 win - with Darwin Nunez's heroics helping them go 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds were dominant in the early stages but were frustrated by the basement boys - who shocked the league leaders by taking the lead through Will Smallbone.
Liverpool immediately hit back in the second half as goals from Nunez and Mohamed Salah helped turn the game on its head.
Once Liverpool got in front they were in control and had chances to extend their lead - before Salah netted his second from the spot to secure a vital win.
Mirror Football has taken a look at the biggest talking points from the game at Anfield after Slot's men were made to work hard for their victory against the relegation strugglers.
Arne Slot's reaction to Virgil van Dijk and Alisson blunder speaks volumes
[
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Alisson goes from hero to zero
The Brazilian had just played an absolute blinder against PSG, putting in a man of the match display to help Liverpool secure a smash-and-grab 1-0 win in the Champions League last-16 first leg, but he won't want to look back at Southampton's opener.
Alisson and Virgil van Dijk were both at fault for Smallbone's strike after the latter tried to shephard the ball into his goalkeeper's hands, but the ex-Roma shot-stopper failed to collect under pressure.
Smallbone then had huge space to shoot with Alisson off his line and Van Dijk out of position, as he calmly slotted into an empty net to send the travelling fans into raptures.
Alisson and Virgil van Dijk
Alisson was at fault for Southampton's first goal along with Virgil van Dijk after his heroics against PSG
Some Liverpool fans complained that Alisson had actually been fouled by Mateus Fernandes in the build up to the goal after he fell to the ground after colliding with the midfielder.
However, Liverpool players nor Alisson called for any foul and continued to play on before Southampton got their shock breakthrough.
Slot serves final game of ban
Being without the Dutchman on the touchline didn't seem to affect Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Newcastle two weeks ago, but they seemed to feel his absence against the Saints.
In the first half, Liverpool looked lethargic and lacking intensity as they struggled to carve their lowly opponents open and could have done with Slot spurring them on from the dugout.
But with Slot serving the second of his two-match touchline ban after hammering referee Michael Oliver following the 2-2 draw against Everton last month, he was forced to sit up in the stands.
Arne Slot had his head in his hands while he watched in the stands as Liverpool went 1-0 down
The 46-year-old summed up practically every Liverpool fan in the first half as he was pictured with his head in his hands after watching Van Dijk and Alisson's mix-up.
However, Slot was permitted to speak to his players in the dressing room at half time and it's clear that had a buoyant effect as Liverpool scored twice in three minutes in the opening minutes of the second half.
Liverpool players will be relieved that Slot's ban is now over as they look ahead to some huge games - including the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle and the next Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
Salah lands another record
Every week it seems like we're talking about how Mo Salah has reached a landmark amid his incredible season for Liverpool.
Salah has the incredible ability to come up with the goods even when he's not in the game - and he certainly didn't have the best game of his career against Southampton, but he still kept a cool head to bury a penalty that put them ahead.
With just minutes to go, Liverpool were awarded a second spot kick after Diaz was fouled by Sugawara - and he made no mistake again.
Mohamed Salah registered his 43rd Premier League goal involvement this season
The Egyptian's brace means he has now been involved in 44 Premier League goals this season, which is a club record for the Reds.
He now has 27 goals this season and it's scary to think there are still nine games to go this season - meaning he could break even more records.
Darwin takes his chance
Just when you think Liverpool are going to suffer a difficult day, Darwin Nunez pops up to save the day.
The Uruguayan did it against Brentford in January, when Liverpool were going into stoppage time at 0-0 and desperately needing a goal to keep their superior lead in the title race.
He didn't just provide one goal - he came up with two to help secure a 2-0 win. That came after a tough period under Slot where he was lacking game time and he did the same thing against Southampton.
Darwin Nunez scored and won a penalty as he helped Liverpool come from behind against the Saints Don't Miss
Nunez has not scored or assisted in the league since that game against Brentford on January 18 but after earning his first start since December, he delivered when it mattered.
He ended his drought of ten goals after thumping home from close range from Luis Diaz's pull-back.
Just three minutes later, he then won the penalty that Salah converted after being clattered by Smallbone.
It will be a huge reminder for Slot of his ability to change a match despite starting just seven Premier League games this season.
Liverpool struggle without Mac Allister
There was a lack of zip to Liverpool's play against Southampton on Saturday and it's no coincidence that midfielder playmaker Alexis Mac Allister wasn't on the pitch.
Arne Slot decided to rest the Argentine against the Saints after watching him put in a huge shift during Liverpool's taxing game against PSG in midweek, when his midfielders had to drop deep and work hard off the ball while their opponents dominated.
But as a consequence, Liverpool's midfield looked less dangerous against the South Coast outfit, who have only nine points this season, as replacement Curtis Jones failed to have the same impact as the ex-Brighton star.
Liverpool's midfield lacked pace and intensity before Alexis Mac Allister came on
Liverpool had no problems dominating the ball, but they just didn't have the same cutting edge in the middle of the park without the normal partnership of Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Supporters couldn't deny that they were a much better team when Mac Allister was in the starting XI. One fan wrote: "You’ll learn one day Arne hopefully, Mac Allister is the conductor of this team and when you don’t play him we look like a volleyball team."
Another said: "Liverpool can’t unlock Southampton without Alexis Mac Allister once again? Imagine my disbelief."
It was no surprise Mac Allister was introduced at half time - which was when Liverpool finally came alive.
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