RAW: Key Substitutions Sparked Liverpool’s Second-Half Turnaround | OneFootball

Liverpool 3-1 Southampton: Arne Slot’s Reds Show Grit to Keep Premier League Push Alive

Liverpool’s Premier League title charge remained on course as they fought back from an uninspiring first half to secure a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield. Arne Slot’s men found themselves behind early, but a second-half resurgence, driven by Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah, and a relentless pressing game, turned the tide.

This was a game of two halves—Liverpool sluggish and disjointed in the first, dominant and clinical in the second. The result keeps the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the league, with the Reds making it clear they won’t be letting up anytime soon.

Photo: IMAGO

First Half To Forget

Liverpool started the match at half-speed, struggling to impose themselves against a well-organised Southampton side. Karl Matchett was scathing in his assessment:

“It was almost like they were just expecting us to turn up and win… conserving themselves for the middle of the week.”

The visitors took the lead in chaotic circumstances, exposing a worrying lapse in defensive communication. Dave Hendrick didn’t hold back in his analysis:

“A lack of communication between goalkeeper and centre-backs… Virgil clearly just doesn’t want to give away a corner for whatever reason.”

Liverpool’s backline looked shaky, with Southampton capitalising on positional errors. Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch, forming an experimental midfield duo, failed to track runners effectively. Hendrick noted:

“Gravenberch has no awareness of what’s behind him, Curtis can see him and just doesn’t react.”

A frustrated crowd saw little from the Reds’ attack, with Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez unable to make inroads. It was clear a change was needed.

Second-Half Revival: Arne Slot’s Tactical Shift

Arne Slot made his move at halftime, introducing Andrew Robertson, Harvey Elliott, and Alexis Mac Allister. The change was instant, with Liverpool attacking with renewed intensity.

Within minutes, Díaz won a corner, leading to an Elliott shot saved well by the Southampton keeper. The breakthrough came soon after, with Núñez finishing clinically from close range. Hendrick praised the Uruguayan’s composure:

“It’s calm, it’s a composed finish… the vast majority of people listening to this, having that chance, it’s going to bounce off them in every single direction.”

That goal flipped the game. The intensity rose, and Liverpool doubled their lead soon after. Smallbone’s reckless challenge on Núñez handed Salah the chance to slot home from the spot, which he did with his usual efficiency.

“Mo blasted it high to the keeper’s right, with tremendous power,” Matchett remarked.

Liverpool had turned the game around, and it was Salah once again who delivered the killer blow, scoring his second penalty after a clear handball in the box.

Salah’s Record-Breaking Season Continues

Salah’s brace took him to 242 goals for Liverpool, overtaking Gordon Hodgson to become the club’s third-highest scorer of all time. Matchett put his numbers into context:

“He’s knocking these off like skittles… he’s now ahead of Aguero and chasing down Wayne Rooney.”

His 44 goal contributions in the league this season put him on track to surpass Thierry Henry’s all-time Premier League record for goal involvements in a 38-game season.

Hendrick summed it up perfectly:

“Mo’s level of production is just staggering… he’s fracturing every narrative held against him.”

Liverpool’s talisman remains as relentless as ever, and if he stays fit, there’s every chance he could end up as the second-highest scorer in Premier League history before he’s done.

Looking Ahead: Liverpool Keep Pressure On

With Arsenal still within touching distance at the top, every result matters. Matchett pointed out the significance of the win:

“We launched all the pressure back onto Arsenal… every slip-up, we have to punish it.”

Liverpool’s attention now turns to a midweek European clash with PSG, followed by a domestic cup final. If they carry this second-half form into those games, more silverware could be heading to Anfield soon.