On paper this looked like the most obvious home win ever.

There were 58 points between the sides coming into this game, the biggest gap between teams since Liverpool beat Aston Villa in July 2020.

And Liverpool – with Slot in the stands because of a touchline ban – started brightly with Curtis Jones having an early shot blocked and then shooting wide.

That matched their total shot count in the 1-0 smash-and-grab win in Paris in midweek.

But perhaps the energy expended in that game was taking its toll here.

Southampton created several chances before grabbing the lead following a hugely uncharacteristic mix-up between two of their stars.

Van Dijk tried to hold off Smallbone to let the ball run to Alisson, but the keeper did not come out quickly enough and moments later the Saints midfielder was scoring.

But Liverpool improved in the second half after making their substitutions – with Slot allowed in the dressing room at the break – including the introduction of Harvey Elliott.

The midfielder scored with his first touch at PSG and almost did so again but was denied by Aaron Ramsdale.

But the Reds had a good grip on the game by then with Uruguay striker Nunez – who could have been sent off in the first half for a bad foul on Kyle Walker-Peters – scoring after good play by Diaz and then winning the penalty for Salah’s winner.

Salah had a shot saved and Elliott fired wide as they tried to add a game-clinching third, which eventually came in the form of another penalty by Liverpool’s Egyptian icon.

This is the champions elect’s only Premier League game in March.

Now they focus on the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG on Tuesday and Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Newcastle as they bid for three trophies.