Premier League
Comeback King Salah Hopes Liverpool Can Maintain Momentum Against Manchester City
Mohamed Salah called on Liverpool to strike a significant blow to Manchester City’s dwindling title aspirations following his pivotal role in the Premier League leaders’ thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side moved eight points clear of second-placed City thanks to Salah’s second-half double at St Mary’s.
After taking the lead with an early goal from Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool was stunned when Adam Armstrong equalized. Things got even more challenging for them in the second half when Mateus Fernandes put bottom-placed Southampton in front.
As he has frequently done in the past, Salah came to Liverpool’s aid with a classic poacher’s goal to equalize, followed by a calmly taken penalty later in the match.
Liverpool’s 10th win in 12 league games ensured they capitalized on City’s dismal 4-0 defeat against Tottenham 24 hours earlier.
Chasing a first Premier League crown since 2020, the Reds have a golden opportunity to throttle City’s hopes of a fifth successive title when Pep Guardiola’s team visit Anfield on December 1st.
City have lost five in a row in all competitions and Salah said, “Hopefully, we keep going in that direction. We have a game against them so hopefully, we win it and go 11 points clear.
“Man City is Man City. They have a bad time now but they have great players.”
Salah now has 12 goals in all competitions this term, including six in his last five league games.
“They were very important, especially after being down 2-1. It’s the most important thing to have won the game,” he said.
“Each game is different. They had a game plan and played very well. We managed to come back and win the game.”
Urgency, form, and intensity
Having Salah on form has been crucial to Slot’s dream beginning to life at Anfield.
Slot has made a remarkable start, winning 16 of his first 18 games in all competitions.
The former Feyenoord manager’s skillful approach has positioned Liverpool as a title contender in his first season at Anfield after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.
Slot conceded Liverpool lacked intensity in the first hour at St Mary’s, but he was pleased with the way his players responded to falling behind.
“In the second half, I saw the intensity I was looking for in the first half. Southampton make it difficult for many teams, including top clubs, and they made it difficult today, though we dominated the game completely in my opinion,” Slot said.
“There was not enough urgency to arrive in the box in the first half, we just kept the ball instead of attacking the box.
“Although we fell behind in the second half we showed more urgency and intensity. That led to numerous chances and eventually two goals.”
With Salah’s contract due to expire at the end of this season and the forward yet to sign a new deal, Slot was quick to praise the contribution of his talisman.
“If you want to win, you need to score goals, and we know Mo can score,” he said.
“For me his first goal is the most important as we scored out of nowhere, then after that, it was just waiting for us to score another.”
Before Manchester City’s vital visit to Anfield next weekend, Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Slot is eagerly anticipating these thrilling matchups.
“They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years. So two big games and that’s why we needed to win today, and that is what I am happy about,” he said.
