Liverpool were 2-1 losers in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle United bested the Reds at Wembley Stadium.
Dan Burn and Alexander Isak were the heroes for the Toon as Eddie Howe’s side ended their over 70-year wait for another domestic cup title, with Federico Chiesa’s late consolation goal not enough to get Liverpool back in the tie.
One disappointing performer in the final was Mohamed Salah, who picked up a knock in the opening half as the Egyptian international was far from his usual best this season, with the winger being completely shut down by Newcastle’s defence.
And Gary Neville noted one thing from Salah’s performance that the former Manchester United defender had never seen before.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Gary Neville has never seen Mohamed Salah as quiet as he was vs Newcastle United
Speaking on Sky Sports coverage of the match, Neville shared how quiet the Liverpool attacker was against Newcastle, with the pundit saying: I’ve never seen Mo Salah as quiet as I have seen him in this game. He has had three touches, 25 minutes into this second half.”
With Craig Burley suggesting Salah has got worse since Liverpool’s first-leg win against PSG in the UEFA Champions League, the 32-year-old attacker’s performance at Wembley will do little to dispel fears that the winger hasn’t turned up in key games for the Reds.
And Neville’s assessment of Salah’s performance in the English capital is as daming as it is true, with the Liverpool no. 11 simply ineffective in the attack and was lucky to not be brought off in the second-half, with Luis Diaz instead taken off.
Indeed, Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final loss coupled with exits in the Champions League and FA Cup have transformed a potentially historic season into something somewhat underwhelming, an experience that Salah would not want in his potentially final year at Anfield.
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How bad was Mohamed Salah’s performance really for Liverpool?
Salah has been accused in recent weeks of not turning up for Liverpool in the biggest games this season despite being on course to enjoy his best year yet for the Reds.
Mohamed Salah vs Newcastle United
Minutes played 90
Shots 0
Chances created 0
xG + xA 0.10
Touches in opposition box 1
Accurate crosses 1/2 (50%)
However, Salah’s performance against Newcastle paints a picture of a player who simply failed to deliver when the moment called for it for Liverpool, with the Merseyside giants missing their best attacker during a crucial fixture.
Although Salah will lead Liverpool to the Premier League title, today’s performance was one to remember for the winger, who will be frustrated with himself heading into the international break without another trophy in his hands.