EPL: Salah Finds His Groove with assist as Liverpool Edge Brighton 2-0 at Anfield

Mohamed Salah marked his return to action with an assist as Liverpool recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to five Premier League matches and easing tensions surrounding the Egyptian forward’s recent absence.

Salah, who had been at the centre of intense speculation over his relationship with new manager Arne Slot, came off the bench to a rousing reception in the 26th minute after defender Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury.

It was the forward’s first appearance since he publicly voiced frustration at being sidelined, accusing the club of throwing him “under the bus” after he was left on the bench in the 3-3 draw with Leeds and omitted from the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan.

Liverpool had already made a dream start before Salah’s introduction, racing into the lead inside the opening minute.

A loose clearance from Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh was headed forward by Gomez, allowing Hugo Ekitike to control the ball and fire past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The goal, scored just 46 seconds into the contest, was the French striker’s ninth of the season and set the tone for the home side.

Brighton regrouped and posed a greater threat after the break, pushing Liverpool back for spells.

Minteh went close early in the second half, while Diego Gomez struck the post as the visitors searched for an equaliser. Further efforts from Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda also tested Liverpool’s defence, raising concerns among the Anfield crowd.

However, Liverpool weathered the pressure and struck decisively on the hour mark to put the game beyond doubt.

Salah, making an immediate impact after his introduction, delivered a pinpoint corner that Ekitike rose highest to meet, nodding home his second goal of the afternoon to double Liverpool’s advantage.

The goal settled the contest, allowing Liverpool to control proceedings for the remainder of the match.

Salah nearly capped his return with a goal of his own in stoppage time, but his effort from a Federico Chiesa pass sailed over the crossbar.

The win keeps Liverpool’s momentum going as they continue their push near the top of the table, while Ekitike’s brace underlined his growing importance to the side.

For Salah, the assist and warm reception offered a positive step forward amid lingering questions about his future and his relationship with the club’s hierarchy.