Mohamed Salah returned to Liverpool's lineup and set a new record for the most Premier League goal involvements with a single club. He assisted one of Hugo Ekitike's goals in a 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Salah, who had recently resolved issues with coach Arne Slot, started on the bench but was called into action after 26 minutes due to Joe Gomez's injury.
Gomez had earlier contributed to the fastest Premier League goal of the season by heading Yankuba Minteh's misdirected clearance to Ekitike, who scored with an impressive finish. Minteh tried to make up for his mistake by curling a shot past the post and setting up Diego Gomez, whose attempt was blocked by Alisson.
Liverpool dominated the first half, creating several chances, including one involving Salah that ended with Ekitike missing the target. Brighton improved after halftime, with Diego Gomez hitting the post from Mats Wieffer's cross and Brajan Gruda narrowly missing. However, Liverpool secured their win when Ekitike headed in unmarked from Salah's corner at the hour mark.
Salah equalled the single-season record for Premier League goal involvements during Liverpool's 2024-25 title-winning campaign. On Saturday, he surpassed Wayne Rooney's record of 276 goal involvements for Manchester United by achieving 188 goals and 89 assists for Liverpool in the competition.
This match marked Salah’s return as a key player after being an unused substitute in two of Liverpool’s last three games. Previously, he had been an unused substitute only three times in his first 303 appearances for Liverpool. His comeback was significant, but it was Ekitike who stole the spotlight with his second consecutive brace in the Premier League.
Ekitike’s opening goal was Liverpool’s first within the opening minute of a Premier League game since Naby Keita scored their fastest ever goal against Huddersfield Town in April 2019. This performance highlighted Ekitike’s growing influence on the team.
Salah’s achievement underscores his importance to Liverpool and cements his legacy at Anfield. His ability to consistently contribute goals and assists is unmatched in Premier League history for a single club.
