Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah scoring two penalties to help them on their way to victory
Liverpool edged closer to the Premier League title after a nail-biting encounter with Southampton, who currently sit at the bottom of the table. The Reds initially trailed due to Will Smallbone's early goal, but a swift turnaround saw Darwin Nunez equalise and Mohamed Salah convert two penalties, securing a victory for Liverpool. Liverpool Echo readers have been giving their verdict on the players in our comments section
Virgil van Dijk revealed that manager Arne Slot was livid during the half time interval. The Reds' captain agreed that Slot's frustration was justified given their lacklustre first-half performance which allowed the Saints to take an unexpected lead.
Van Dijk commented: "I think he wasn't happy and he had every right to not be," adding, "No-one was really happy with the first half performance but like I said, we are all human beings and we had no intention to play the first half like we did but, unfortunately we did, but we turned it around. And that's part of football."
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This win puts Slot's team a comfortable 16 points ahead of Arsenal, who are in second place with nine games remaining. However, the Gunners have two games in hand.
Commenter RedLes says: “Disappointed that Elliott did not start, he should have been given a chance. After a very tough game in Paris we then come home to take on a Southampton side who are down, nothing can save them, they are only playing for pride with no pressure on them. Slot sends out a side that apart from winning the game has three things to think about and that's staying fit for PSG, the cup final and the visit of Everton. PSG after what happened in Paris could give us another tough game, Newcastle will not live with Liverpool if they turn it on and Everton who are now surely safe and just also playing for pride. But they will surely be looking for another 2-2 win. The players must have this on their minds, but credit to them for coming out in the second half, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and doing the business, then reverting back to game management to secure the point.”
NigelRG thinks: “The player performances against PSG and Southampton will give Arne some interesting dilemmas for next week’s team selection. Hopefully VVD is OK. Not sure why Chiesa is even on the bench? Even if Salah is substituted, Arne doesn't play him. Given Arne's attitude, I'd rather see a youngster take his place. Crazy, but true.”
Joby loved it: “Got to be the loudest I have ever heard Liverpool supporters at 1-0 down today, the noise was absolutely phenomenal. Take a bow Darwin Nunez who ran like I’ve never seen him run and the Kop showed him their appreciation when he was substituted.”
Ceelers agrees: “Nunez & Diaz outstanding second half, Mo tops it off, Harvey a player for the future, also Endo should have started. I think he reads and breaks the game up just as well if not better than Gravenberch! We’re gonna win the league and now you’re gonna believe us!”
Heidi H thinks: “Good tactics by Slot taking off Jones and Tsimikas, who were both poor in the 1st half. Both of these players are totally inconsistent and they played with purpose when they were replaced by Macca and Elliott.”
Dragon14 added: “Tsimikas should be benched indefinitely without playing time and be sold in the summer!”
Sadios writes: “Nunez is Man of the Match without a doubt, although not to say that Trent had a bad game. Elliott cemented that he is a force to be reckoned with in the last phase of the season. Him making the ultimate effort against PSG was no coincidence.”
PeterKelly says: “Usually their problem is, when playing weaker teams, they have the attitude 'We're Liverpool, we're bound to win!', and then they all stand around waiting for that win. Too often they don't wake up to reality in time. Fortunately, today they managed to put in enough effort.”
Were you happy with Liverpool’s performance today? Can they go all the way? Have your say in our comments section.