Mohamed Salah made an impactful return to Liverpool action on Saturday, providing an assist in the team’s 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield. His performance came just days after an emotional outburst cast uncertainty over his future at the Premier League champions.

 

The Egyptian forward, who had been at the center of intense media attention leading up to the match, entered the game as a substitute in the 26th minute, replacing the injured Joe Gomez. Salah’s appearance was met with resounding cheers from the Anfield crowd.

 

Liverpool, who had been struggling in their title defense, were leading 1-0 at the time, thanks to a goal from French forward Hugo Ekitike after just 46 seconds. Brighton, who failed to capitalize on several key opportunities, found themselves two goals down when Ekitike netted his second in the 60th minute, heading in a pinpoint corner from Salah.

 

With the assist, Salah, now 33, made history, setting a new Premier League record for goal involvements with 277, 188 goals and 89 assists. He surpassed Wayne Rooney’s long-standing record of 276 for Manchester United.

Ekitike, speaking after the match, praised Salah’s professionalism, calling him a “legend” and an inspiration. “Mohamed is a great, great professional,” Ekitike said. “He’s involved in so many goals and assists. To share the pitch with him is a blessing.”

 

Saturday’s match also marked a dramatic shift in Salah’s mood. Just a week earlier, he had publicly criticized Liverpool for leaving him on the bench during the 3-3 draw at Leeds his third consecutive appearance as a substitute. In a fiery statement, Salah also claimed he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot. His omission from the midweek Champions League victory against Inter Milan further fueled speculation about his future, with rumors circulating of a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

 

However, Slot hinted before the Brighton match that he would address the situation with Salah, adding to the intrigue surrounding the star forward’s role. The win against Brighton provided much-needed relief for the beleaguered coach, lifting Liverpool to sixth in the Premier League table.

 

The game started with a bang when Joe Gomez assisted Ekitike for the opening goal in the first minute, sending a powerful strike past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Brighton had their chances, with Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda both missing good opportunities, but Liverpool held firm.

 

READ ALSO:

SALAH ‘DESTROYING HIS LEGACY’ AT LIVERPOOL, ROONEY WARNS

 

Ekitike’s header in the 60th minute doubled Liverpool’s advantage, with Salah playing a pivotal role in the goal. Salah himself nearly added a goal in stoppage time, but his effort sailed over the bar after being set up by Federico Chiesa.

 

After the final whistle, Salah was warmly embraced by his teammates and applauded by the home fans, signaling a positive resolution to the tension that had surrounded his recent comments.

The victory, Liverpool’s first at Anfield since November 4, was crucial for Slot, easing some of the pressure on his position. Salah, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, will soon depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Egypt’s campaign set to begin in Morocco. His return date will depend on how far Egypt advances in the tournament, with the final scheduled for January 18.

 

Salah’s future remains a hot topic. Despite speculation linking him with a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League, he invited his family to the Brighton game as a show of solidarity, amid swirling rumors about his next move. “I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans before I head to the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said last week. “I don’t know what will happen after that.”

 

With 250 goals for Liverpool, Salah is now third on the club’s all-time scoring list. Over the course of his illustrious career at Anfield, he has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy. Despite his current dip in form, with just four league goals this season, Salah remains one of the club’s most influential figures.

 

Source: Channels