Liverpool extended their lead over Arsenal to 16 points with a 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
After trailing at halftime, the Reds turned the game around in the second half, with Darwin Nunez equalizing and Mohamed Salah scoring a brace, including two penalties, to secure the win.
Southampton’s Will Smallbone opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on a mix-up between Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson and defender Virgil van Dijk. The first half was lackluster from Liverpool, but manager Arne Slot’s halftime team talk sparked a resurgence. Nunez leveled the score in the 51st minute, and Salah converted a penalty in the 55th minute after Nunez was fouled in the box. Salah sealed the victory with another penalty in the 88th minute.
Mike Dean Claims VAR Blunder in Liverpool vs Southampton
Former referee Mike Dean believes Liverpool should never have been in a position to fight back, as he claims VAR made a crucial error by allowing Southampton’s goal to stand. Dean argues that Smallbone was offside during the confusion between Alisson and Van Dijk. Replays showed Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes touched the ball last, directing it toward Smallbone, who appeared to be offside. VAR referee Matt Donohue reportedly missed this, and the goal was upheld.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean said:
“I’m just worried about the goal. They’ve obviously checked it with VAR, but I’ve looked at it three or four times, and I’m convinced it is offside. The Southampton player has gone to challenge the keeper, it’s touched his foot and gone forward, and Smallbone’s left foot seems to be in front of the defender. Unless there was another defender outside that we can’t pick up on the TV, he looks offside in my opinion.”
Liverpool on Course for Premier League Glory
With this win and Arsenal’s draw against Manchester United, Liverpool now hold a 15-point lead at the top of the table, having played one more game than the Gunners. While Arsenal remain mathematically in the title race, Liverpool’s position is commanding. Even if the Reds lose four of their remaining nine games, they would still likely win the league on goal difference, assuming Arsenal win all their matches.
However, Liverpool still face tough fixtures against Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Manager Arne Slot and his team will be cautious not to get complacent as they edge closer to Premier League glory.
