Three tackles, three chances in 46 touches: ‘Struggling’ Liverpool player stepped up in an unusual way today

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Mohamed Salah stepped up for Liverpool against Manchester City, despite his poor run of goalscoring form. The Egyptian deserves applause.

Jurgen Klopp chose to start Mohamed Salah against Manchester City on Sunday – and that genuinely was a decision. For the first time this season – the first time in years, in fact – Liverpool’s best front three doesn’t necessarily include their no.11.

And that’s not a dig at his ability. Salah is, quite plainly, the most talented forward at the club and one of the world’s best players. He’s just not in good form, however, and hasn’t scored from open play since February 19th. He’s ‘struggling’, in the words of John Aldridge.

Klopp trusted Salah to return to form against City, though, and it was the right decision. No, he didn’t end his goalscoring woes but the Egyptian stepped up in a different way. And for that, he deserves applause.

Mohamed Salah for Liverpool

So no, Salah didn’t score against City. In fact, he only had one shot – one that deflected wide and was inexplicably given as a goal-kick.

But while Salah couldn’t quite affect the game with his goals, he made sure he did in every other way. Defensively and offensively, he was an influence.

Liverpool asked him to watch Joao Cancelo, for instance. The attacking full-back is a real threat to any side with his ability on the ball – Salah had to nullify him. He did all he could in that regard, winning three tackles. Only Bernardo Silva managed more than that in the game.

Funnily enough, Salah has only managed at least three tackles on one other occasion this season – at home against City (4). He certainly steps up when the Reds need him to.

And on that, we saw an example of just how dangerous Salah is going forward. Liverpool’s pressure for their second goal – just 46 seconds into the second half – was outstanding and they worked a brilliant goal.

It was Salah who provided the magic, though. He took up a brilliant inside position, received the ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold and played a perfect pass in behind for Sadio Mané to score. That was one of three chances the winger created in the game – more than anyone else on the pitch.

That’s the most chances Salah has created in a game since February 19th against Norwich City. Coincidentally – or not – that’s when he last scored from open play. A sign of his return to form, then? Let’s hope so. Salah undoubtedly holds the key to further Liverpool success this season.

All stats per Whoscored.