- Southampton scored two goals past Liverpool in a busy Sunday affair
- Clash put table toppers against bottom of the league
- Mohamed Salah threw the Reds a lifeline to win in the second half
League leaders Liverpool were dealt a surprise when they travelled to face a fierce Southampton side at St Mary's on Sunday.
Despite sitting at polar ends of the Premier League table, the Saints put up a relatively close fight for Arne Slot's usually impenetrable Liverpool side. An early goal from Dominik Szoboszlai was quickly nullified by an Adam Armstrong penalty, leaving the Reds scrambling for a way back in the game.
But it was the Hungarian who opened the scoreline, assisted by Southampton's leaky backline.
If there’s one person who needed a goal, it’s Dominik Szoboszlai. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QhG53aTeU8
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) November 24, 2024
It's a great finish from Szoboszlai, he's deserved that goal, we've deserved that goal.
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) November 24, 2024
Dominik Szoboszlai's first Premier League goal since January.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 24, 2024
You can file it under early Christmas present.
But, after a controversial penalty was handed to the hosts, Southampton clawed back an equaliser, levelling the scoreline before the break. Armstrong missed his chance from the spot, but made sure to make his next effort count when he blasted home the rebound.
I’m sorry but that is not a penalty…
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) November 24, 2024
IT’S OUTSIDE THE BOX🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/S0WHxedUIE
Not a penalty for me. From the first angle you can see the contact is Robertson’s right knee, on Dibling’s right ankle
— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) November 24, 2024
From the side angle you can clearly see that the right knee of Robertson is outside of the box pic.twitter.com/Bf0suIIce0
I was told we'd be getting a lot of soft decisions after the Coote video yet Southampton have just been given a penalty for a foul outside of the area.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) November 24, 2024
My eyesight is very good!!!im pretty sure that could WASNT inside the area????let’s not forget the line is not a penalty folks 👀
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) November 24, 2024
Regardless of where fans stood, Southampton's chance threw them firmly back into the game. A second strike from Mateus Fernandes quickly changed the pace of the clash, putting the Saints ahead.
It was an unbelievable run that set up Fernandes' goal, with Armstrong yet again involved in the end product after serving the ball on a platter to his teammate.
What a time to score your first ever Premier League goal 🤩
— LiveScore (@livescore) November 24, 2024
Mateus Fernandes has put last-placed Southampton ahead against league leaders Liverpool 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SmBhAFYIZ3
Dibling & Fernandes have been excellent & provide genuine quality to #SaintsFC. Key 2nd half as naive, basic mistakes continue to punish Southampton.This isn’t the team that lived on a hand to mouth budget under Hasenhuttl - have spent good money regularly & should give this a go
— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) November 24, 2024
Amorim’s boy Fernandes scores for Southampton pic.twitter.com/71jCHAExn6
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) November 24, 2024
Before long the cracks started to show and Liverpool proved why they deserve their spot at the top of the table. It certainly wasn't an enjoyable afternoon for the Reds, but one that they'll have been thankful to see end.
An easy goal from Mohamed Salah and later a strong strike from the Egyptian star saw Liverpool regain a 3-2 lead, cementing their place as leaders.
The undisputed best in the world. A Premier League icon. A living legend.
— Fede (@lfc_fede) November 24, 2024
Mohamed Salah 👑 pic.twitter.com/rxmYNFRQik
Mohamed Salah just knows that he is the absolute business
— Aadam Patel (@aadamp9) November 24, 2024
THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.
— LFCDZN11 (@lfcdzn11) November 24, 2024
Mohamed Salah > Thierry Henry#LFC pic.twitter.com/jWMt0BnXXP
— Asim (@asim_lfc) November 24, 2024
Nobody wants this Premier League title more than Mohamed Salah.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) November 24, 2024
Not you, not me, not anyone.
A colossal human being.
Southampton were unable to dethrone the leaders, but could reigning Premier League champions Manchester City hold the key to their downfall next weekend?
