Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah left a lasting impression before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, reminding fans of his new record. Regardless of whether victory over Brighton was his final match for the club, he ensured it was one to remember.
Despite starting on the bench at the weekend, Salah came on as an early substitute and provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike. This took his total goal contributions for the Reds in the Premier League to 277 - a record for any player at a single club. Just days prior, the Egyptian had been omitted from Liverpool's squad for their Champions League victory at Inter Milan.
Comments suggesting he felt sidelined cast doubt over his future at Anfield, but Slot found it easy to reinstate last season's top scorer.
Salah's social media post on Monday underscored his significant contribution to the club over more than eight years on Merseyside.
The 33-year-old's tally of 277 goals and assists for Liverpool puts him one ahead of Wayne Rooney's 276 for Manchester United, with Ryan Giggs (271, also for United) in third place.
Harry Kane (259 for Tottenham) is the only other player above 250, followed by Thierry Henry (249 for Arsenal), Frank Lampard (237 for Chelsea), Sergio Aguero (231 for Manchester City) and Steven Gerrard (212 for Liverpool).
The Reds currently occupy sixth position in the table at the time of writing, though Manchester United could overtake them should they avoid defeat against Bournemouth on Monday evening.
The winger's comeback date will hinge on Egypt's progress at AFCON.
The 2021 runners-up kick off their tournament against Zimbabwe on December 22, with South Africa and Angola completing their group stage fixtures.
"I think the reason why he wasn't in Milan was his interview and the question is always – and everybody has a different opinion about that – should he be once, twice, three times, four times, four months, 12 years... every manager makes [a] different decision in that," Arne Slot explained when discussing Salah.
"He wasn't involved in the game against Milan, I spoke to him yesterday and usually I never say anything about what we talk about, I am not going to make an exception now but I think actions speak louder than what has been said.
"He was in the squad again and when I had to make my first substitution, I brought him in and he performed as I think every fan – including me – would like him to perform today."