Liverpool supporters prove Mohamed Salah vs Arne Slot theory wrong as feelings made clear

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.

But, not for the first time, such utterings are perhaps not a true reflection of the feeling in the Reds’ fanbase.Both manager and player were serenaded throughout as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five matches, with the forward playing a decisive role following his return to the side in what will be his last appearance before reporting for the Africa Cup of Nations.When speaking to reporters at Elland Road, Salah suggested that Saturday’s clash with Brighton could be his last for club - citing a breakdown in his relationship with Slot and claiming to have been ‘thrown under the bus’ by the club.While he waved goodbye to all four corners of the Anfield crowd after the final whistle, warmly embraced all of his team-mates and was the last man to leave the pitch, departing as James’ ‘Sit Down’ played out over the tannoy, such a gesture appeared more in appreciation than farewell to supporters following a challenging week on the red half of Merseyside.There had been a sigh of relief amongst those of a Liverpool persuasion when news broke on Friday that the Egyptian had been recalled to the Reds squad following further talks with Slot.But such a resolution was not enough to earn the forward a place in the Dutchman’s starting XI - not that he had to wait long to make a playing return.The sight of Salah emerging from the bench was greeted with the loudest of cheers when Joe Gomez was forced off in the 26th minute. But the Anfield crowd had already made their affection for the forward known ahead of kick-off, greeting his name with the loudest of cheers when the sides were read out.Chants of ‘Egyptian King’ swiftly followed after his introduction, with Salah wasting no time in making his presence known by playing in Alexis Mac Allister in the box.Given his supposed ‘waning’ influence has been called into question at times this season, he made a mockery of such doubts in an increasingly lively showing.Playing five key passes, no player on the pitch could boast more.

And only match-winner Hugo Ekitike better Salah’s return of three shots on goal.In truth, the forward should have departed for AFCON duty with a goal to his name, firing over late on when picked out well by fellow substitute Federico Chiesa.But he did at least register a goal contribution, with Ekitike rising highest at the far post to head home Salah’s corner. His fourth assist of the season, and 114th of his Liverpool career, it marked the first time he has set up any of the Reds’ summer signings.

And in doing so, he broke the record for the most goal involvements for a single side in Premier League history (277).Following the goal in the 62nd minute, supporters burst into another rendition of ‘Egyptian King’ before chanting Arne Slot’s name and his own ‘He won us number 20,’ chant, with Ekitike then receiving similar serenading.The Kop is not picking sides, showing their support for both manager and player in hope that both continue to enjoy long and happy Anfield reigns.Salah now departs for AFCON and speculation about his future will continue, despite his Liverpool recall. Only time will tell how the land lies when he returns to Merseyside in 2026.The Reds have performed well without him in their starting XI over the past fortnight as Slot looks to turnaround their season, justifying his toughest of calls in the process.But Salah too showed what he has to offer for Liverpool in this lively substitute showing.