Arne Slot's side had squandered the lead given to them by Dominik Szoboszlai's second goal of the season as Adam Armstrong levelled before the break at St Mary's.

Mateus Fernandes put bottom of the table Southampton ahead after the interval before Salah sparred Liverpool's blushes.

Salah coolly netted the equaliser and then held his nerve to stroke home the late penalty that gave him 12 goals in all competitions this season and six in his last five league appearances.

Thanks to Salah's late heroics, Liverpool have left second placed Manchester City trailing in their wake after the champions' dismal 4-0 defeat against Tottenham on Saturday.

Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 16 of his first 18 games in all competitions.

The former Feyenoord manager's deft touch has established Liverpool as favorites for a first Premier League title since 2020 in his maiden season at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp.