By Korede James
Liverpool increased their lead over Arsenal at the top of the English Premier League table to 16 points after coming from a goal down to beat bottom side Southampton 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday.
Mohamed Salah continued his brilliant scoring run as he scored two penalties while Darwin Nunez was also on the score sheet for the Reds.
Egypt international Salah is now the joint-fifth top scorer in Premier League history on 184 goals, same as Manchester City and Argentina legend Sergio Aguero.
The 32-year-old has now scored 27 goals in 29 matches for Arne Slot’s men this season in the league.
Nigeria internationals Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo were also in action for Southampton after both players came on in the 83rd minute.
Will Smallbone gave Southampton a suprise lead first half stoppage time, but
Liverpool equalised six minutes after the break thanks to Nunez.
Salah put the Reds 2-1 ahead shortly after, dispatching from the penalty spot and got his second two minutes from time.
At the AMEX Stadium, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi had an assist which was not enough to help Fulham avoid a 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
It was Iwobi’s fourth assist in the Premier League this season, along with seven goals in 28 appearances.
Also in action for Fulham was Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, who played for 90 minutes while Iwobi was replaced one minute from time.
Fulham took the lead in the 35th minute as Iwobi went on a run and sent in a cross to Raul Jimenez, who chested it before volleying past the keeper.
With four minutes left in the first half Brighton equalised thanks to Jan Paul van Hecke, and Joao Pedro converted from the penalty spot in added time to seal the win for the hosts.
The defeat leaves Fulham in ninth place, while Brighton rose to sixth in the league table.
At Selhurst Park, Ismaila Sarr’s 82nd minute goal earned Crystal Palace a 1-0 win against Ipswich Town.
While Palace are now 12th, Ipswich are 18th.
RESULTS
Liverpool 3-1 Southampton
Brighton 2-1 Fulham
Crystal Palace 1-0 Ipswich
