Liverpool strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race with a commanding 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield. Mohamed Salah's second-half brace secured the comeback win, stretching the Reds' lead at the top of the table to 16 points.

Match Overview
Southampton started the match on the front foot and took the lead in the 11th minute when Will Smallbone capitalized on a defensive error to slot the ball past Alisson Becker. The early goal stunned the Anfield crowd and forced Liverpool to find a way back into the game.

Despite showing attacking intent, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Tensions flared as Darwin Núñez found himself involved in an altercation with Kyle Walker-Peters, narrowly avoiding a red card.

Second-Half Resurgence
The second half saw a rejuvenated Liverpool side emerge with greater urgency. In the 48th minute, Núñez made amends for his earlier controversy by equalizing, converting a well-placed cross from Luis Díaz. Just three minutes later, the Uruguayan won a crucial penalty after being brought down in the box, which Salah calmly slotted home to give Liverpool the lead.

As Southampton pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Liverpool continued to threaten on the counter. In the 87th minute, a handball by Yukinari Sugawara gifted Liverpool another penalty. Salah stepped up once more, dispatching his second spot-kick of the night to put the game beyond doubt.

Salah's Record-Breaking Performance
Salah's brace not only secured a vital win but also cemented his place in Liverpool's history books. He surpassed Gordon Hodgson to become the club’s third-highest all-time goalscorer. Additionally, Salah broke the Fantasy Premier League record for most points in a season, amassing an incredible 306 points with nine games still to play.

Managerial Reactions
Liverpool manager Arne Slot lauded his side’s fighting spirit, emphasizing their ability to overcome adversity:

"We showed great character to come from behind and secure the win. Every player stepped up when it mattered."
Meanwhile, Southampton’s manager acknowledged his team’s promising start but regretted their inability to sustain the pressure against a dominant Liverpool side.

Looking Ahead
Liverpool's commanding lead at the top makes them overwhelming favorites for the title. With a crucial Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain and a Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on the horizon, the Reds will aim to carry their momentum into the next phase of the season.