Mohamed Salah made a decisive return to Liverpool action on Saturday, providing an assist as the Reds secured a 2–0 Premier League victory over Brighton at Anfield, easing pressure on manager Arne Slot after a turbulent week dominated by questions over the Egyptian star’s future.
Salah, who had been at the centre of controversy following public criticism of the club and his omission from recent matches, was introduced in the 26th minute to a rousing reception from the home crowd.
He replaced the injured Joe Gomez with Liverpool already ahead thanks to an early strike from Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool could scarcely have asked for a faster start. Inside the opening minute, Gomez delivered a pass that Ekitike converted emphatically, leaving Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with no chance.
Despite falling behind almost immediately, Brighton responded positively and created several openings, only to be frustrated by poor finishing.
As the visitors pressed for an equaliser, the Anfield crowd repeatedly chanted Salah’s name, reflecting both support for the forward and relief at his return to the pitch after days of intense speculation.
The decisive moment arrived just after the hour mark. Salah, operating with purpose and composure, delivered a pinpoint corner that Ekitike met with a firm header to double Liverpool’s advantage and seal the points.
The assist marked another historic milestone for the Egypt international.
With that contribution, Salah reached 277 Premier League goal involvements for Liverpool, comprising 188 goals and 89 assists.
The tally represents the highest number of goal contributions ever recorded by a single player for one club in the competition, surpassing the long-standing record set by Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.
Speaking after the match, Ekitike was full of praise for his teammate, describing Salah as a model professional and a constant inspiration within the squad.
He said the winger’s consistency and influence were clear for all to see, adding that sharing the pitch with such a figure was a privilege.
The match marked a sharp shift in mood for Salah, who only a week earlier accused the club of treating him unfairly after he was benched for a third consecutive league game against Leeds.
The 33-year-old also claimed he had little relationship with Slot and was subsequently left out of the squad for Liverpool’s midweek Champions League win away at Inter Milan.
Slot had confirmed before kick-off that discussions had taken place with Salah, but speculation over the winger’s role continued right up to Saturday’s encounter.
His warm reception from fans and his immediate impact suggested a temporary calming of tensions.
Brighton continued to threaten intermittently, with Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda both going close, but Liverpool’s defence held firm.
Salah himself nearly capped his return with a goal in stoppage time after being set up by Federico Chiesa, only to fire over the crossbar.
At the final whistle, Salah was embraced by teammates and warmly applauded by supporters, underlining his enduring bond with the Anfield faithful.
The victory, Liverpool’s first home league win since early November, lifts the club to sixth place and offers some respite to Slot amid a difficult run of results.
Salah is now set to leave Merseyside to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The duration of his absence will depend on how far his national side progresses, with the final scheduled for January 18.
Although he signed a new two-year contract earlier this year, the forward has been repeatedly linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.
Last week, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, saying he wanted to say goodbye to supporters before departing for international duty.
A Liverpool legend by any measure, Salah sits third on the club’s all-time scoring list with 250 goals and has played a central role in winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
While his league return this season has been modest compared to last year’s prolific haul, Saturday’s performance served as a reminder of his enduring influence — and his value to Liverpool both on and off the pitch.
