Mohamed Salah Shows Why Liverpool Cannot Do Without Him

Salah’s Match-Winning Moment

It took 94 minutes at Turf Moor, but Liverpool’s talisman delivered when it mattered most. Mohamed Salah’s last-gasp penalty kept the champions’ perfect start alive, sealing a 1-0 win and sparking wild celebrations among the away supporters.

The numbers underline his influence. His 188th Premier League goal lifted him above Andrew Cole into fourth place on the all-time list. “We don’t give up,” Salah told Sky Sports. “We just try to push ourselves to the limit.”

This was Liverpool’s fourth successive late victory, a record in Premier League history. Six of their last nine 90th-minute or later winners have been scored or assisted by Salah. His ability to conjure decisive moments remains unmatched, even on afternoons when his performance is below his usual standards.

Slot’s Risk Pays Off

Arne Slot resisted the temptation to replace Salah despite his struggles on the day. The Egyptian had just one shot, the penalty, and completed only one of his six duels. But with Liverpool chasing a breakthrough, Slot took off Ibrahima Konate instead and threw on more attackers, ending the game with a front five of Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, Salah, Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong.

“With 81 per cent possession, 27 shots to three and 55 touches in the opposition box compared to just two, Liverpool were dominant but wasteful,” The Athletic noted. Salah’s late intervention ensured their superiority was finally rewarded.

Slot explained his decision: “When you need a goal and things are not going really well, I thought about almost every substitution. In the end, you always come back to: ‘I don’t want to leave this stadium with a draw thinking I didn’t bring in all my attackers, all the guys who can score a goal’. As for taking Mo off, if you need a goal, it will probably happen this season or maybe next season, but it probably won’t happen a lot.”

Bigger Picture for Salah

Salah’s start to the season has been more muted than last year, when he scored three goals and set up three in the opening four matches. Critics point to his age, 33, and question how long he can maintain such high output.

Liverpool’s attack has been reshaped with Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz all signed this summer. Frimpong will deputise on the right wing when Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations in December. Reducing reliance on their number 11 is part of Slot’s long-term plan, but for now his influence is undiminished.

Adjusting to New Partnerships

There are reasons why Salah has not been as fluid as usual. He has played in front of five different right-backs already this season, disrupting his long-established partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The chemistry with Ekitike and Wirtz is also still developing.

“We had a few new players in the starting line-up. It takes time to adapt their game to our game,” Salah said. “We try to make them comfortable. Alex also came last week and he’s going to be in the team. We try to find the balance.”

Burnley have never been his favourite opponents, this was only his second goal in 11 appearances against them, but, as so often, he had the final say.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will have left Turf Moor with a mixture of relief and admiration. Salah may not have been at his dazzling best, but once again he delivered when it mattered. That penalty was not just three points, it was a reminder that even in a game where his touch deserted him, he remains Liverpool’s match-winner-in-chief.

Supporters will also have appreciated Slot’s boldness. Substituting a centre-back for an attacker and ending with five forwards on the pitch is a statement of intent. It is a clear sign that Slot understands what this club expects, dominance, goals and late drama if necessary.

Fans will now look forward to seeing Alexander Isak make his debut in the Champions League and Florian Wirtz find his rhythm. But Salah remains the heartbeat of this side. His two goals and one assist in four games are not the numbers of a man in crisis. They are the numbers of a player who still decides matches.

Liverpool’s attack may evolve, but for now, it still revolves around Mohamed Salah. And that, for most supporters, is exactly how it should be.