Salah Gets 9, Nunez With 8.5 | Liverpool Players Rated In Their Win Against Southampton | OneFootball

Although a crucial Champions League second-leg tie awaits this midweek at Anfield, Arne Slot fielded a strong Liverpool side against bottom-placed Southampton. The Reds were supposed to dominate the tie and secure a commanding victory. However, they were out of place in the first half and got punished when Will Smallbone capitalized on a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

But the home side responded soon after the break with a quick-fire double from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. Salah scored again from the spot in the closing minutes, thus stretching the lead further over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings.

Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 3-1 win against Southampton.

A lack of communication with Van Dijk saw him conceding in the first-half stoppage time. But the Brazilian made a crucial save to deny Cameron Archer midway through the second half.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: 7.5

Was solid defensively against Kamaldeen Sulemana. Made timely overlapping runs to link up with Salah and Nunez from the right-hand flank. Was taken off for Jarell Quansah late in the contest.

Ibrahima Konate: 7.5

Had little trouble at the back with no significant threat from the Saints attackers. Carried the ball forward from the deep and exhibited his passing expertise.

Virgil van Dijk: 6.5

Apart from the mistake, the skipper dominated the defensive duels and kept things under control with his grit and resolute. Never let the visitors play enough passes into the Liverpool box.

Kostas Tsimikas: 6

Failed to make any noteworthy contribution with his crosses and link-up play from the left. Was booked for a foul and the gaffer took no risk and replaced him with Andy Robertson at half-time.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on March 08, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Ryan Gravenberch: 7.5

Was back to his usual self upon the arrival of Aleix Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott in the middle of the park. Was strong with his challenges, recoveries and duels while regaining possession. Also made down-the-middle runs to operate in the advanced areas. Was replaced by Watarun Endo around the 80th-minute mark.

Curtis Jones: 6.5

Tried to control the game in the centre of the pitch. But he could not inject pace in the attacking transitions and build-ups. Made way for Harvey Elliott at the break.

Mohamed Salah: 9

Showed his expertise from the spot as he fired in twice under pressure with thunderous strikes. Was a constant threat from the right as he shook off the midweek disappointment and showcased his quality once more.

Dominik Szoboszlai: 6.5

Was not effective enough with his box-to-box runs. Could not offer much in the attacking third and was taken off for Alexis Mac Allister at half-time.

Luis Diaz: 8

Was dreadful in the first half but stepped up exquisitely since falling behind. Set it up for Nunez for the equalizer, and also played his part in earning the second spotkick.

Darwin Nunez: 8.5

Avoided a marching order following a cynical foul on Kyle Walker-Peters moments after Smallbone’s goal. But the Uruguayan turned things around for the Reds by finding an equalizer and then winning a spot-kick soon after the break. Received standing ovation from the Anfield faithful while being replaced by Diogo Jota midway through the second half.

Liverpool Subs vs Southampton

Andy Robertson: 7.5

Injected pace and rhythm into the game with his marauding runs from the left.

Alexis Mac Allister: 7

His technicality helped Liverpool speed things up from midfield.

Harvey Elliott: 7.5

Made a significant impact with his directness and goal-bound attempts.

Diogo Jota: 5.5

Could not make any notable contribution.