Liverpool star Mohamed Salah came on as a second-half substitute in his return to Arne Slot's squad as the Reds earned a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League
Mohamed Salah chases the ball during Liverpool vs Brighton.
Mohamed Salah played his part as Liverpool defeated Brighton on Saturday
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
All the highlights from Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon...
Liverpool took an early 1-0 lead against Brighton & Hove Albion through striker Hugo Ekitike. His goal came after a header won high up the pitch by defender Joe Gomez, marking a strong start for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah was reinstated to the squad and started the match on the bench after holding positive talks with manager Arne Slot on Friday. This appearance marks the Egyptian's final game for Liverpool before he departs to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The confirmed Liverpool starting XI saw Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez come into the side, replacing the injured Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson. Alexander Isak was only fit enough for the bench due to a minor knock, alongside Federico Chiesa who had recovered from illness.
Salah was brought into the game earlier than anticipated in the second half, replacing the injured Joe Gomez. He made an almost immediate impact, getting involved in a quick counter-attack move that led to a chance for Alexis Mac Allister.
Defender Joe Gomez was forced off the field after suffering an injury inside the centre circle, prompting a substitution. His departure necessitated a tactical change, with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai shifting back to the right-back position.
In the first half, there was some VAR drama when Brighton's Diego Gomez escaped a red card despite catching Florian Wirtz's chest with his studs. The Premier League Match Centre explained that Gomez was only handed a yellow card because the challenge on Wirtz was deemed not to be with excessive force or serious foul play."
Brighton responded well after conceding the opening goal and created several chances to equalise against the Reds. Alisson Becker was forced into a big save to deny Diego Gomez, and Yankuba Minteh also fired an effort just wide of the post.
Ektike sealed the points with his second goal on the hour mark. Mohamed Salah set the Frenchman up for his goal, meaning he made history as he became the record holder for the Premier League's most goal involvements for a single club.