Liverpool faced Southampton in a match where they were heavily favored, coming in with a 58-point gap between the teams. Despite starting well, Liverpool struggled in the first half, leading to Southampton scoring after a mix-up between Van Dijk and Alisson. However, Liverpool improved after halftime with strategic substitutions, including Harvey Elliott. They eventually took control, with Nunez scoring and winning a penalty for Salah, who converted it to secure a 2-1 victory. This match is Liverpool’s only Premier League game in March as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including a Champions League tie and the Carabao Cup final.
On paper, this appeared to be the easiest home victory imaginable.
There was a 58-point difference between the teams heading into this match, marking the largest disparity since Liverpool triumphed over Aston Villa in July 2020.
Liverpool, with Slot watching from the stands due to a touchline suspension, began the match brightly as Curtis Jones had an initial shot blocked and then missed his target.
This matched their entire shot count in the 1-0 counterpunch victory in Paris earlier in the week.
However, it seems the fatigue from that match was affecting their performance here.
Southampton crafted multiple opportunities before taking the lead due to an unusually poor miscommunication between two of their key players.
Van Dijk attempted to shield Smallbone to let the ball go through to Alisson, but the goalkeeper was slow to react and soon after, the Saints midfielder found the back of the net.
Liverpool showed improvement in the second half after making substitutions—Slot was allowed back in the dressing room at the break—including bringing on Harvey Elliott.
The midfielder netted with his first touch against PSG and nearly repeated the feat, only to be stopped by Aaron Ramsdale.
By that point, the Reds were firmly in control of the match, with Uruguay striker Nunez—who narrowly avoided a red card in the first half after a rough challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters—scoring after a strong build-up by Diaz and later earning the penalty that led to Salah’s winning goal.
Salah had a shot saved and Elliott shot wide as they aimed to secure a third goal, which eventually arrived in the form of another penalty converted by Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar.
This marks the champions-elect’s only Premier League fixture in March.
Now, they shift their focus to the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG on Tuesday and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday as they strive for three trophies.