Paul Merson stuns Thomas after what he said about Liverpool v Southampton – ‘Really…’
Liverpool headed into the half-time break shocked as they trailed Southampton 1-0 in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday.
A win over Southampton would mark three consecutive victories in the top-flight for Liverpool, and would extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 16 points.
The Saints, meanwhile, have managed just two Premier League wins this season so the Anfield faithful were stunned to see such a lacklustre start.
Paul Merson stuns Sky Sports studio over Liverpool
Before Will Smallbone capitalised on an error at the back, Paul Merson admitted that he saw it coming.
Speaking on Sky Sports News before the goal [15:23, 8 March] Merson said: “If a goal comes, it’s coming from Southampton.”
Simon Thomas, host of the show, was shocked as he replied: “Really?”
Southampton, who had won just nine points all term before their daunting trip to Merseyside, will be satisfied with any outcome other than yet another defeat.
| Liverpool’s last three results | Competition |
| Man City (A) – 2-0 W | Premier League |
| Newcastle (H) – 2-0 W | Premier League |
| PSG (A) – 1-0 W | Champions League |
Ivan Juric’s men have not managed to win in the Premier League since a 2-1 triumph over relegation rivals Ipswich Town on Saturday, 1 February, with a big second half to come.
Merson’s Liverpool prediction came true
Liverpool’s clash with Southampton was a big opportunity to seal yet another three points in the Premier League, and strengthen their grip on the trophy.
The news that the Saints took a 1-0 lead in first-half additional time at Anfield will have shocked the footballing world, but Merson can take heart from the fact that his bold prediction came true.
Southampton midfielder Smallbone managed to get the better of Alisson in the first minute of additional time, as he scored his side’s first goal since their 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday 15 February.
Before his effort at Anfield on Saturday, Smallbone had not previously scored in the Premier League this term, but the biggest shock of the afternoon so far was that the league-leading Reds fell behind to a Saints side who are destined for relegation back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Following a 1-0 win over PSG in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday 5 March, Liverpool supporters would not have expected their side to struggle in the opening 45 minutes against Southampton.
Arne Slot still has time to turn it around though.