Slot and Salah Draw Line Under Liverpool Saga After Brighton Win
Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool have moved past the recent tension involving Mohamed Salah after the forward returned to action in a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion. The Reds extended their unbeaten run to five matches as attention now shifts to upcoming fixtures and Salah’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah began the match on the bench once again but was introduced in the first half following Joe Gomez’s injury. The Egyptian made an immediate impact, providing an assist in what proved to be his final appearance before joining up with his national team.
The appearance came after a turbulent period that followed Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month. Salah, benched for a third straight game in that fixture, publicly expressed frustration and suggested a breakdown in his relationship with Slot. He was then left out of the squad for the Champions League clash against Inter Milan before being reintegrated against Brighton.
Slot was keen to close the chapter quickly, stressing that selection decisions and actions on the pitch mattered more than public debate. The Dutch coach pointed to Salah’s involvement against Brighton as proof that the situation had been resolved internally, with full focus now on Egypt’s AFCON campaign.
Anfield carried a composed but expectant atmosphere as Liverpool looked to build on recent defensive improvements. Brighton enjoyed spells of possession early on, but Liverpool remained organised, with Szoboszlai’s absence still evident in midfield control and Alexis Mac Allister tasked with dictating tempo.
The key moment arrived when Gomez was forced off, prompting Salah’s early introduction. Liverpool grew sharper after the change, pressing higher and finding more width, with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz stretching Brighton’s back line.
The opening goal came from sustained pressure, with Liverpool capitalising on a loose defensive sequence before doubling their advantage after the break. Salah’s assist was a reminder of his quality, even in limited minutes, as he picked out a teammate with a precise final ball inside the box.
Brighton threatened sporadically, forcing a couple of routine saves, but Liverpool managed the second half with growing authority. Tactical discipline and improved fitness levels allowed Slot’s side to control the closing stages without unnecessary risk.
The result sets Liverpool up for a demanding trip to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, with Slot encouraged by his squad’s physical progress and defensive solidity. The return of Dominik Szoboszlai to training offers a potential boost, although Cody Gakpo and Gomez remain sidelined.
With Salah heading to AFCON and the Premier League table tightly packed, Liverpool’s recent run has provided stability during a transitional phase. Slot believes there is more to come, and the next stretch of fixtures will test just how far this evolving side can go.