Sadio Mané’s opening goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Fulham last Sunday meant that he and Mohamed Salah had managed to achieve something last managed by club legends Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, 36 years ago!
As reported in Liverpoolfc.com, Salah and Mané became the first pair of Reds forwards to both reach at least 20 goals each in all competitions for two seasons in a row since 1983.
Last season, Mané scored 20 goals as Liverpool finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the Champions League final in Kiev. Salah, of course, had that phenomenal first season at Anfield and managed 44 goals in all competitions.
This season, so far, both players have now managed 20 goals as The Reds battle for the Premier League title while continuously pursuing European Cup number six.
To match this achievement, you have to go as far back as the early 80s. Dalglish and Rush both notched at least 20 goals apiece in consecutive campaigns during the 1981/82 season and the 1982/83 season.
Before that, you have to go back to the 60s, when the deadly frontline of Ian St John and Roger Hunt managed it for three seasons running (1961/62, 1962/63, 1963/64).
The rarity of such occurrences points to what a fantastic accomplishment this is for Mané and Salah.
Here’s hoping we’re watching them bang plenty more goals in at Anfield for some years to come.
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