Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League, bravely faced league leaders Liverpool at St Mary’s but ultimately lost 3-2. This marked only their second defeat in the last nine home encounters with Liverpool.
Many expected the Saints to be overpowered, especially on a windy day, but they put up a strong fight. Mateus Fernandes had an early shot, while Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté both picked up yellow cards. Liverpool began to take control after the 20th minute, but Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy kept the Reds at bay, denying Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Curtis Jones. However, McCarthy was eventually beaten when a poor pass from Flynn Downes to Szoboszlai led to a brilliant shot from the Hungarian that hit the post and went in.
Southampton suffered another blow when Adam Lallana was forced off with an injury, but they found a lifeline when Andy Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling on the edge of the box, conceding a penalty. Adam Armstrong’s initial spot kick was saved by Caoimhín Kelleher, but Armstrong followed up to score the rebound. Southampton were lucky to avoid conceding again soon after the equalizer, but their injury woes continued as Paul Onuachu was forced off after a strong first-half performance.
Despite setbacks, Dibling set up Armstrong, who assisted Fernandes for a clinical first-time goal. But Southampton’s momentum was halted nine minutes later when McCarthy rushed out to challenge Ryan Gravenberch’s through ball but was beaten to it by Salah, who diverted it over the line. McCarthy later denied Luis Díaz’s header but failed to clear a dangerous cross, while Alexis Mac Allister’s shot went narrowly wide.
In the final stages, substitute Yukinari Sugawara handled the ball in his own box, conceding a penalty that Salah converted with confidence. Salah’s hat-trick attempt hit the post late on, but his penalty secured Liverpool’s fifth consecutive win across all competitions, leaving them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. Despite a valiant effort, Southampton were condemned to back-to-back defeats.
