Salah sets up goal on return to Liverpool action
Mohamed Salah assisted a goal during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday upon his comeback following a heated rant that raised questions about his long-term stay with the Premier League title holders.
The Egyptian attacker, under heavy spotlight ahead of the Anfield clash, entered from the bench to massive applause in the 26th minute, taking over for the hurt defender Joe Gomez.
The hosts, whose championship campaign has faltered amid a dismal streak of performances, held a 1-0 advantage then, courtesy of French striker Hugo Ekitike's effort after only 46 seconds.
Brighton wasted several chances to equalise, and Ekitike netted his brace with 30 minutes remaining by nodding in Salah's corner kick.
The Egyptian ace has now amassed 277 goal contributions for Liverpool in the Premier League, comprising 188 strikes and 89 aids, establishing a fresh benchmark for any individual at one club in the league, surpassing Wayne Rooney's tally at Manchester United.
"Mohamed stands as an exceptional professional," Ekitike shared with the BBC. "I regard him as a role model. His deep involvement in scoring and creating shines through.
"He is an icon here. Playing alongside him feels like a privilege. Players like him make the sport so enjoyable to follow."
This Saturday brought a sharp shift in atmosphere for Salah, who recently charged Liverpool with abandoning him after sitting out the 3-3 stalemate against Leeds, marking the third consecutive fixture where he started on the sidelines.
The 33-year-old wide player further claimed zero connection with head coach Arne Slot during his bold statement and missed the midweek Champions League away win at Inter Milan, 1-0.
Slot mentioned in his pre-game media session plans to discuss matters with Salah, fuelling intense rumours before the weekend encounter regarding the Egyptian's involvement.
Liverpool burst out of the blocks, surging ahead in the opening minute as Joe Gomez fed Ekitike, who smashed the shot beyond Bart Verbruggen.
Brighton's Diego Gomez missed a clear opening, while Brajan Gruda nearly struck as supporters called out Salah's name.
The Merseysiders extended their edge in the 60th minute via Ekitike's header from Salah's set-piece delivery.
Salah himself came near to finding the net in added time after Federico Chiesa's pass, yet he fired high over the bar.
At the whistle, he received hugs from colleagues and waves of approval from the crowd.
This triumph, Liverpool's initial home success at Anfield since 4 November, propels Slot's squad to sixth spot, lightening the load on the embattled tactician.
Salah departure
Salah, fresh off a two-year extension with Liverpool in April, heads off next for the Africa Cup of Nations.
His time away hinges on Egypt's progress in the tournament hosted in Morocco, culminating on 18 January.
The attacker, rumoured for a switch to the affluent Saudi Pro League, brought his relatives to the Brighton fixture as whispers about his path intensified.
"I plan to visit Anfield for a farewell to supporters before heading to the Africa Cup," he informed journalists recently. "Uncertain about events during my stint there."
Ranking third on Liverpool's historical goal ledger with 250 tallies, Salah has secured two Premier League crowns and a Champions League trophy across his time in the city.
He notched 29 Premier League efforts last term to help Liverpool claim their 20th domestic honour, though just four have come in the league this year.