Mohamed Salah’s return to the Liverpool pitch on Saturday was more than just a football moment. It was a story of tension, pressure, and response. After days of controversy and public debate, Salah came back in style during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield.
The Egyptian star did not start the match, but his presence was felt strongly when he came on early. An injury to Joe Gomez in the 26th minute forced manager Arne Slot to make a quick decision. He turned to Salah, and the forward immediately showed why he remains one of Liverpool’s most important players.
This return came only a week after a very difficult moment. Salah had been left on the bench during the dramatic 3-3 draw against Leeds. After that game, he spoke openly to reporters, accusing Arne Slot of “throwing him under the bus” and saying that he no longer had any relationship with the Liverpool manager.
Those comments caused shock among fans and media. As a result, Salah was completely left out of the squad that traveled to face Inter Milan on Tuesday. Many wondered if the situation had gone too far and whether Salah’s future at Liverpool was in danger.
📰 Also Read This:
However, behind the scenes, things were changing. Salah and Slot held talks on Friday, just one day before the Brighton game. While the details of that meeting were kept private, it became clear on Saturday that Salah was ready to contribute again.
When he stepped onto the pitch, the atmosphere changed. Salah looked focused, sharp, and hungry to prove a point. Within minutes, he was involved in dangerous attacks, stretching Brighton’s defense and lifting the Anfield crowd.
His biggest moment came from a set piece. Salah delivered a perfect corner kick, and Hugo Ekitike was waiting at the back post. Completely unmarked, the French striker headed the ball home to make it 2-0 and seal the win for Liverpool.
Ekitike had already given Liverpool an early lead in the first minute, and Salah’s assist helped him score his second goal of the game. After the match, Ekitike spoke warmly about his teammate, making it clear how much respect Salah has inside the dressing room.
“Mohamed is a great, great professional,” Ekitike said. “I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists.”
The young striker did not stop there. He praised Salah’s status at the club and the feeling of playing alongside him. “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.”
Ekitike also explained how simple the goal felt thanks to Salah’s delivery. “He gave me a great ball, I just had to be in a good place. It was easy to finish,” he said with a smile.
The Frenchman admitted he wanted more. “I was looking for the hat-trick but it is going to be another time. It was good, two goals,” he added, showing both confidence and team spirit.
He also spoke about the challenge of the match and Liverpool’s mentality. “We try to stick together and work together. Today wasn’t easy. We had to stay compact and stick together.”
According to Ekitike, the win was fully deserved. “I think we deserved it. We did a great week and let’s continue,” he said, before reminding everyone what it means to wear the Liverpool shirt. “When you play for Liverpool, you just have to win games. We are Liverpool, we need to win.”
Arne Slot was also asked about Salah after the match. His words suggested calm and control, despite the recent drama. “I think he was a threat,” Slot said. “The first ball he touched, he almost made an assist for [Alexis] Mac Allister.”
Slot highlighted Salah’s constant involvement and impact. “He was constantly involved in the fact we had Mo. Pleasing to see but not a surprise,” the manager explained.
The Liverpool boss also made it clear that bringing Salah back was not a difficult choice. “It was an easy decision to put him in the squad,” Slot said. “I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us.”
Slot pointed to Salah’s assist as proof of his value. “We needed him and he assisted for the 2-0 which is nice for us,” he added, noting how important set pieces were after earlier struggles this season.
Looking ahead, Slot also mentioned Salah’s upcoming departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. “He goes to the AFCON and that means for us another player down,” he said. “This is what we knew before the season started.”
Despite that challenge, there was a note of hope. “Hopefully one or two players can come back from injury,” Slot concluded.
For now, Liverpool fans can breathe easier. The controversy has not disappeared, but on the pitch, Salah answered in the best way possible. His assist, his attitude, and the words of his teammates showed that, at least inside the dressing room, respect remains strong.
