The in-form forward netted twice in the second half at St Mary's as Arne Slot's side moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table
Liverpool survived a huge scare at Southampton as Mohamed Salah inspired a come-from-behind, 3-2 win for the Premier League leaders on the south coast.
After making a sloppy start, Liverpool began to build pressure around the midway point of the first half, and took the lead when Dominik Szoboszlai capitalised on a weak clearance from Flynn Downes to curl into the top corner. However, they were pegged back before the break when Andrew Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling on the edge of the penalty area, and Adam Armstrong converted at the second attempt after Caoimhin Kelleher saved his initial spot-kick.
Russell Martin's side then took a shock lead when Mateus Fernandes applied the finishing touches to a fine counter-attacking move, only for Liverpool to level things up when Salah beat Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to a long ball over the top from Ryan Gravenberch to poke into an empty net.
From there on, the Reds dominated, and they eventually found the winner when Salah's cross was handled by Yukinari Sugawara, and the Egypt international made no mistake from 12 yards to move Arne Slot's side eight points clear at the top of the table.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from St. Mary's…
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Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):
Made a fine save to deny Downes before keeping out Armstrong's spot-kick. Unfortunate that the rebound was converted, and could do nothing about Fernandes' effort.
Conor Bradley (5/10):
In for the injured Alexander-Arnold but picked up an early booking that inhibited him defensively. Had a couple of combinations with Salah going forward, but couldn't create anything of note.
Ibrahima Konate (3/10):
Lacked composure from the first whistle as his sloppiness led to pressure on the Liverpool goal. Booked in an untidy performance.
Virgil van Dijk (4/10):
Forced into a physical battle with the giant Onuachu before his crazy decision to attempt a backheel in the centre circle led directly to the penalty.
Andrew Robertson (5/10):
Had some nice combinations with Gakpo going forward early on, but his return to the line-up was soured when he fouled Dibling for the penalty. Still doesn't look the player he once was.
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Curtis Jones (6/10):
Good pressing forced the mistake that led to Szobozslai's opener, but couldn't maintain any control in midfield before being replaced on the hour.
Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):
Another outstanding display from the midfielder as he led the way in engine room. Superb ball over the top found Salah for Liverpool's equaliser.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Excellent finish gave the visitors the lead, but he lacked composure at other times. Failure to challenge Dibling on the sideline led to Fernandes' goal.
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Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Struggled to get into the game after a couple of early efforts until latching onto Gravenberch's lofted pass to equalise. Made no mistake from the spot for the winner, and almost secured a hat-trick when hitting the post late on. Where would they be without him?!
Darwin Nunez (4/10):
Despite being directly up against Downes playing an unfamiliar role, the Uruguayan struggled to impose himself on the game and cut a frustrated figure at times.
Cody Gakpo (6/10):
Delivered some teasing crosses into the box and tested McCarthy with a vicious first-half shot. Booked before being replaced on the hour.
AFPSubs & Manager
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
Gave Liverpool more control in midfield after replacing Jones.
Luis Diaz (7/10):
Instantly added pace and intensity to the attack after coming on for Gakpo, and twice went close to finding the net himself.
Wataru Endo (N/A):
On for Nunez in the final minutes.
Arne Slot (7/10):
Injuries and late international returns forced his hand somewhat, but his side lacked intensity until they fell behind. Some may have questioned who he took off, but his substitutions certainly made the desired impact.