Returning to the matchday squad after resolving internal discussions with head coach Arne Slot, Salah was introduced earlier than anticipated following Joe Gomez’s injury after just 26 minutes. His entrance was met with resounding applause from the Anfield faithful, signaling that any lingering tension from his recent interview controversy had been firmly put to rest.
Liverpool were already ahead when Salah came on, thanks to Ekitike’s lightning-fast opener. The French forward capitalised on a poor clearance from Yankuba Minteh, with Gomez’s header teeing him up to score after just 46 seconds — the fastest goal of the Premier League season. Ekitike later doubled his tally in the second half, making it two goals in consecutive league matches.
However, the spotlight shifted decisively to Salah, who delivered an energetic and influential display in what marked his final appearance for Liverpool before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His decisive moment came when he swung in a pinpoint corner that Ekitike headed home, ending Salah’s three-game league run without a goal involvement.
That assist carried historic significance. With it, Salah reached 277 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League — comprising 188 goals and 89 assists — overtaking Wayne Rooney’s long-standing record for the most goal contributions for a single club in the competition’s history. It was a milestone that further cemented his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Salah nearly capped off the week in perfect fashion when he fired over late on from a Federico Chiesa cross, but his overall influence remained unmistakable. From his first touch, which almost led to an assist for Alexis Mac Allister, to his constant threat down the flank, he reminded supporters of his enduring quality.
Brighton, meanwhile, endured a frustrating afternoon. Diego Gomez missed two clear opportunities to draw the visitors level, including a glaring chance at the back post. He was also fortunate to remain on the pitch after surviving a VAR review for a high challenge on Florian Wirtz. Those missed chances proved costly as Brighton slipped to ninth following a third consecutive league match without a win.
Liverpool, by contrast, made the contest look routine, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games. The performance suggested growing stability under Slot, even as the squad continues to deal with injuries and upcoming absences.
After the final whistle, Salah lingered to acknowledge the home fans, who had sung his name throughout the match. While he offered no clarity on whether this appearance could be his last at Anfield, his future is now set to dominate discussion as he heads off to international duty.
Speaking after the game, Slot described Salah’s inclusion as a straightforward call. “He was a threat,” the Liverpool boss said. “The first ball he touched he almost gave an assist. He was constantly involved, which is not a surprise because he’s done that so many times in a Liverpool shirt.”
Slot added that Salah’s assist from a set piece was particularly pleasing, given Liverpool’s recent struggles in that area, and acknowledged the challenge ahead with the winger heading to AFCON. “We knew before the season started that he would go. Hopefully one or two players can come back from injury. Tottenham away next week is a challenge in itself.”
For now, Salah departs having once again left his mark — not just on the match, but on Premier League history.