Liverpool continued their relentless march towards the Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The Reds recovered from a first-half disaster, sparked by Darwin Núñez’s eventful night, to secure all three points.
Southampton Stun Anfield with First-Half Lead
Liverpool started the game sluggishly, possibly due to fatigue from their midweek Champions League exertions. Despite their early dominance in possession, they struggled to break down a well-organized Southampton defense. Curtis Jones had an early chance blocked, while Trent Alexander-Arnold saw his effort denied by Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Southampton, who had spent much of the opening half pinned in their own half, began to grow into the game. After losing captain Jan Bednarek to a head injury, the visitors started testing Alisson Becker through Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Mateus Fernandes. Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when a mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk gifted Will Smallbone an easy finish, putting the Saints ahead just before the break.
VAR Controversy as Núñez Escapes Red Card
The end of the first half was not only frustrating for Liverpool due to the goal but also because of a controversial moment involving Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan forward was fortunate to stay on the pitch after appearing to kick out at Kyle Walker-Peters in an off-the-ball incident. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially brandished a yellow card, but VAR took a lengthy review before deciding against upgrading it to a red.
The decision sparked debate, with many believing Núñez’s challenge constituted violent conduct. The moment drew parallels to Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash in Paris, where Ibrahima Konaté was also lucky to avoid a dismissal. However, Liverpool boss Arne Slot kept faith in Núñez, opting not to substitute him at halftime—a decision that would soon pay off handsomely.
Núñez Turns Hero as Liverpool Stage Quickfire Comeback
Liverpool emerged from the break with renewed urgency, and it took just six minutes for Núñez to make his mark. A surging run down the left from Luis Díaz saw the Colombian beat Walker-Peters before delivering a precise cross into the box. Núñez was on hand to convert with a composed finish, bringing Liverpool level at 1-1.
Moments later, the Uruguayan striker was involved again, drawing a clumsy challenge from Smallbone inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Mohamed Salah stepped up to send Ramsdale the wrong way, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead. In just nine minutes, Núñez had gone from nearly being sent off to turning the game on its head.
Salah Seals Victory with Late Penalty
With the lead secured, Liverpool looked to control possession and manage the game. Southampton boss Ivan Jurić attempted to inject fresh energy into his side, making a double substitution, but the visitors struggled to regain momentum. Their hopes of salvaging a result took another blow in the closing minutes when substitute Yukinari Sugawara was penalized for handling the ball inside the area.
After a VAR review, the referee confirmed the decision, awarding Liverpool another penalty. Salah, once again, stepped up confidently and slotted home his second goal of the night, securing the victory. It was another composed performance from the Egyptian, reinforcing his reputation as Liverpool’s most reliable penalty taker.
Liverpool Extend Lead as Title Charge Continues
The win sees Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 16 points, leaving rivals Arsenal with an uphill battle in the title race. While Southampton provided a stern test in the first half, the Reds’ resilience and attacking quality ultimately proved too much.
Núñez’s performance encapsulated the drama of the night—teetering on the edge of a sending-off before turning into the match-winner. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a Champions League second leg against PSG, Liverpool’s title charge remains firmly on track, and their ability to recover from adversity only strengthens their credentials as champions-elect.
