Liverpool’s Six Substitutions: Should Fans Be Worried About a Points Deduction?
As Liverpool continue their charge toward the Premier League title, some fans have been left concerned about a potential points deduction after the Reds made six substitutions in their latest league clash against Southampton.
The match at Anfield briefly looked like it could produce a shocking upset when Will Smallbone capitalized on a miscommunication between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to put the Saints ahead.
Despite Southampton languishing at the bottom of the table for most of the season, they found themselves in a surprising lead.
However, Liverpool responded swiftly after the break. Darwin Nunez equalized before winning a penalty that Mohamed Salah coolly converted—his first of two successful spot-kicks on the day.
The victory allowed Arne Slot’s men to maintain their lead over second-placed Arsenal, with Liverpool’s grip on the title looking stronger each week.
The Substitution Confusion
Liverpool made three halftime substitutions, leaving them with three remaining substitution opportunities. Later in the match, Diogo Jota replaced Nunez just before the 70th minute, while Wataru Endo came on for Ryan Gravenberch with about 10 minutes left.
That should have been Liverpool’s fifth and final change. But with just a minute left in regular time, Slot called on Jarell Quansah—Liverpool’s apparent sixth substitute—leading to immediate confusion among fans and even Salah himself.
Journalist David Lynch reported that Salah, noticing the substitution, desperately tried to stop it, fearing a costly mistake that could result in a points deduction.
Will Liverpool Be Punished?
Thankfully for Liverpool, there is no risk of punishment. While making more than five substitutions in a Premier League match typically results in consequences, Slot was well within the rules.
Earlier in the game, Southampton’s Jan Bednarek was forced off due to a head injury and replaced by Armel Bella-Kotchap.
Under the Premier League’s concussion substitution protocol, when a team makes a change due to a head injury, their opponent is also granted an additional substitution.
Even though Liverpool didn’t suffer any head injuries themselves, they were entitled to a sixth substitution as a result.
This smart tactical awareness from Slot ensured Liverpool remained fully compliant with league regulations, putting any concerns about a points deduction to rest.
It’s just another example of how Slot continues to make sharp in-game decisions as Liverpool edge closer to the Premier League trophy.
