Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points as Mohamed Salah converted two penalties in a comeback victory over bottom-placed Southampton.
Despite showing signs of fatigue after their dramatic late win at Paris Saint-Germain Wednesday, the Reds did enough to secure another crucial three points and move one step closer to the title.
Southampton had briefly dared to dream when Will Smallbone capitalized on a costly mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, slotting in from a tight angle to give the visitors a surprise lead.
However, Liverpool responded after the break, with manager Arne Sloe substitution that injected fresh energy into the side.
Darwin Nunez, who might have considered himself fortunate to remain on the pitch after halftime, made the most of his opportunity by slotting in from Luis Diaz’s cutback. He then won a penalty after being fouled by Smallbone, allowing Salah to step up and calmly dispatch his first spot-kick of the night.
With Liverpool fans in full voice, chanting, “Now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league,” Salah put the result beyond doubt with a second penalty late on—his 27th goal of the season—after the video assistant referee identified a Yukinari Sugawara handball.
While second-placed Arsenal still have two games in hand, including Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, Liverpool’s relentless form makes it difficult to imagine anyone catching them.
