Any slip-up, whether 270 miles away in Brighton or inside the comfort of Anfield, and Mohamed Salah will pounce. The Liverpool forward ensured Arne Slot’s team took full advantage of Manchester City’s latest defeat, plus Aston Villa’s vulnerability to a counterattack, to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Early days, yes, but a five-point advantage, 15 wins in 17 matches under a new head coach and Salah’s sustained excellence have fuelled Liverpool’s belief.
Salah was instrumental in Darwin Núñez’s breakthrough against Unai Emery’s team and sealed victory late on as Liverpool headed into the international break with momentum and confidence soaring. It was his 10th assist and 10th goal of the season in all competitions. The Egypt international’s long-term Liverpool future may be in doubt, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, but not the decisive influence he continues to exert at the age of 32.
