Mohamed Salah has largely endured an underwhelming start to the campaign. But after a Champions League treble in midweek, the forward made the difference as Liverpool beat reigning champions Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
Salah’s winning goal was just the tip of the iceberg. His performance showed he’s truly back, and Liverpool’s fighting spirit proved they are still – despite what the table says – one of England’s two best teams.
The wider context of the game was nothing like what we’ve come to expect of this fixture, which in recent years has become the Premier League’s biggest event and even decided the eventual destination of the title.
Jurgen Klopp conceded on Friday that while this may well be a title-deciding match again in some respects, it wasn’t going to be Liverpool’s trophy hopes on the line – realistically, such a challenge is surely already beyond them even after winning.
With Liverpool going into the game 12th in the table, it was their pride at stake. Much has changed since the Reds had too much for City in the Community Shield a week before the start of the season; the perception of Haaland, first and foremost.
Forget the table. Liverpool are one of England’s two best teams, and Salah remains one of the Premier League’s est forward.
