Premier League: Mohamed Salah Stars Off The Bench With Assist In Liverpool's 2-0 Win Over Brighton

Mohamed Salah assisted in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday, marking his return after an explosive outburst raised doubts about his future with the Premier League champions.

The Egyptian

forward, who faced intense scrutiny before the match at Anfield, entered to loud cheers in the 26th minute, substituting the injured Joe Gomez.

At that point, Liverpool was leading 1-0 thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s goal after just 46 seconds. Brighton missed several chances to equalise, and Ekitike scored again with thirty minutes remaining, providing Liverpool some breathing room.

Salah-Slot’s Drama

Salah had previously accused Liverpool of “throwing him under the bus” after he was benched for the third consecutive match in last week’s 3-3 draw against Leeds. He also mentioned having no relationship with manager Arne Slot.

Salah was omitted from the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan, which Liverpool won 1-0. He posted a picture of himself alone in the gym on social media.

In Friday’s pre-match press conference, Slot said he would speak to Salah later that day, adding, “I have no reasons (in) not wanting him to stay.”

Speculation about Salah’s role continued before Saturday’s match, where he started on the bench. Liverpool, having won just two of their previous ten Premier League matches, made a swift start with Gomez setting up Ekitike for a goal in the first minute.

Salah joined the game about 20 minutes before half-time due to Gomez’s injury. Brighton’s Diego Gomez hit the post early in the second half, and Brajan Gruda also came close as the crowd chanted Salah’s name.

Liverpool secured their second goal in the 60th minute when Ekitike headed in Salah’s corner. Salah nearly scored in stoppage time, but his shot, set up by Federico Chiesa, went over.

The victory moved Slot’s team to sixth place in the table, alleviating some pressure on the manager.

Salah, who signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool in April, is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence length depends on Egypt’s progress in the competition, which concludes on January 18.

Linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Salah had his family attend the Brighton game amid the swirling speculation about his future.

“I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup,” he told reporters last week. “I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

Salah, third in Liverpool’s all-time scoring charts with 250 goals, has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy during his time at the club. He scored 29 Premier League goals last season, helping Liverpool to their 20th English league title, but has only managed four league goals this season.

(With inputs from Agencies)