Mohamed Salah played a decisive role in Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton on Saturday, delivering an assist on his return to action after a turbulent week that had thrown his future with the reigning champions into question.
The Egyptian forward, who had dominated headlines following a public outburst, entered the match to a rousing reception at Anfield, coming on as a substitute in the 26th minute after defender Joe Gomez was forced off through injury.
Liverpool, whose title defence has unravelled amid a worrying run of results, were already in front by the time Salah was introduced, thanks to an early strike from French forward Hugo Ekitike, who scored just 46 seconds into the contest.
Brighton created several openings in search of an equaliser but failed to convert their dominance into goals. Ekitike later sealed the points with his second of the afternoon, rising to head home Salah’s well-delivered corner with 30 minutes remaining.
Salah’s contribution further enhanced his legacy at the club, taking his Premier League tally for Liverpool to a remarkable 277 goal involvements, made up of 188 goals and 89 assists. That milestone saw him surpass Wayne Rooney’s long-standing record for the most goal contributions by a single player for one club in the competition.
“Mohamed is a great, great professional,” Ekitike told the BBC. “I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists.
“He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That’s the kind of player who makes us like to watch football.”
The positive atmosphere at Anfield marked a sharp contrast to events a week earlier, when Salah accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after being left on the bench in a 3-3 draw with Leeds, his third successive match without a start.
The 33-year-old winger also claimed he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot during his post-match comments and was subsequently omitted from the squad that travelled to Italy for a midweek Champions League clash with Inter Milan, a match Liverpool won 1-0.
Slot had indicated ahead of the Brighton fixture that discussions would take place with Salah, fueling speculation over the forward’s involvement as fans awaited clarity on his role.
Liverpool set the tone almost immediately, racing into the lead when Joe Gomez provided the assist for Ekitike, who fired past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in the opening minute.
Brighton threatened in response, with Diego Gomez missing a clear opportunity and Brajan Gruda also going close as the home supporters repeatedly chanted Salah’s name from the stands.
The decisive moment arrived just after the hour mark when Salah’s corner found Ekitike, whose header doubled Liverpool’s advantage.
Salah himself nearly added a third late on after being picked out by Federico Chiesa, but his effort flew over the bar. At the final whistle, he was warmly embraced by teammates and acknowledged by applauding supporters.
The victory, Liverpool’s first at Anfield since November 4, lifts Slot’s side to sixth place in the table, easing pressure on the manager after weeks of criticism.
Salah, who signed a new two-year contract with the club in April, is now set to leave Merseyside to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. The duration of his absence will depend on how far his country progress in the tournament in Morocco, which concludes on January 18.
Linked in recent months with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, Salah had invited his family to the Brighton match as uncertainty swirled around his future.
“I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there,” he told reporters last week.
Currently third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals, Salah has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League during his time at the club. After netting 29 league goals last season as Liverpool stormed to a 20th English title, he has found the net just four times in the league so far this campaign.
What you should know
Mohamed Salah remains one of Liverpool’s most influential players despite recent tensions surrounding his role and relationship with manager Arne Slot.
His return against Brighton demonstrated his continued impact, setting a Premier League record for goal contributions at a single club. While speculation persists over his future and links to Saudi Arabia, Salah is under contract until 2026 and is now focused on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are hoping his form and presence can help stabilise a season that has fallen short of expectations.
