SOUTHAMPTON : In a thrilling Premier League encounter, leaders Liverpool overcame a combative Southampton side, sealing a 3-2 victory on Sunday. The success not only highlighted their resilience, but also widened their lead at the top of the table to an impressive eight points over reigning champions Manchester City.
Trailing 2-1 at half-time, it was Mohamed Salah who proved decisive for the visitors, scoring twice in the second half to take his league goal tally to 10. As Manchester City suffered their third defeat consecutive in the league on Saturday, Liverpool took full advantage of the situation, now accumulating 31 points after their first 12 matches, while City stagnates with only 23 units.
“They are a strong team, skilled with the ball. They managed to score two quick goals, but the most significant aspect was our response. We reacted adequately, and I’m happy to have secured the three points,” Liverpool striker Dominik Szoboszlai said in an interview with Sky Sports.
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Southampton’s problems began with a misguided attempt to build from the back. Under relentless pressure from Liverpool, Flynn Downes’ ill-adjusted pass fell between the feet of Szoboszlai on the edge of the area, who opened the scoring for the visitors, making it 1-0.
However, Southampton quickly responded, receiving a lifeline when Andy Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling just outside the box. The referee awarded a penalty, and despite Adam Armstrong’s first shot being saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, the striker reacted quickly, finishing off the rebound to equalize with his third goal in four matches.
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Eleven minutes into the second half, Southampton stunned the visitors with an exceptional counterattack. Mateus Fernandes made an incisive run, putting the Saints ahead at 2-1.
But the day belonged to Salah, who did not want to be denied. He initiated the comeback with a well-timed run on a lobbed pass from Ryan Gravenberch, deftly sliding the ball into the back of the net behind goalkeeper Alex McCarthy after a simple check.
As the match drew to a close, Southampton’s woes continued when a handball from Yukinari Sugawara led to a penalty in the 83rd minute. Salah, calm and collected, stepped forward to convert and complete the comeback, securing three valuable points for Liverpool.
GUARDIOLA FACED TOUGH QUESTIONS AMID CITY CRISIS
Meanwhile, Saturday was not kind to Manchester City, who suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium, a shocking result even for the famous manager, Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola admitted a drop in standards was inevitable. However, a five-game losing streak is unprecedented in his illustrious coaching career. James Maddison shone, scoring twice in the first half before Pedro Porro added to his former club’s misery, finishing with a last-ditch strike from Brennan Johnson.
After this series of defeats, yesterday’s champions find themselves in a fragile state, battling a crisis of confidence, having lost crucial matches against Bournemouth and Brighton, accompanied by a terrible 4-1 reverse against Sporting Lisbon in the League of Champions.
“After eight years here, I knew a decline was always possible,” Guardiola reflected. “However, we never expected to lose three Premier League matches in a row. Historically, we have maintained incredible consistency, so this reality is difficult to digest, both in football and in life.
