Liverpool climbed back into the Premier League’s top six with a 2-0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The victory at Anfield was powered by a double from Hugo Ekitike and a welcome return for Mohamed Salah, who provided a crucial assist off the bench.
Fast start sets the tone
The Reds made a lightning start when Ekitike turned in a chance just 46 seconds into the match, giving Liverpool an early advantage.
Liverpool’s second goal came shortly after the break.
Salah, returning to action after being temporarily left out of the squad, delivered a pinpoint corner into the box that Ekitike nodded home to double the lead.
Salah’s impact off the bench
The assist marked a memorable moment for Salah, who now holds the record for the most goal involvements in Premier League history for a single club – surpassing the long-standing mark set by Wayne Rooney.
Salah had entered the game in the 26th minute, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez, and was met with a warm reception from the Anfield faithful.
His influence was immediate, bringing energy and creativity to Liverpool’s attacking play after recent speculation about his future at the club.
That situation was addressed by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot after the game.
“For me, there is no issue to resolve. He is now the same as any player,” said the Liverpool head coach.
“You talk to your players if you are happy or unhappy with things, but there is nothing for me to talk about after what happened against Leeds after the game.
“The reason why he wasn’t in Milan was his interview. The question is always – and everyone has a different opinion – should he be [benched] once, twice, four times, four months, 12 months, 12 years.
“Every manager makes different decisions about that. He wasn’t involved in the game against [Inter] Milan and I spoke to him yesterday [Friday, December 12].
“As I usually never say anything about what we talk about, I’m 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 how every fan, I think, including me, would like him to perform today.”
READ MORE: Football news: Arne Slot responds to Mohamed Salah remarks over Liverpool future
What the positive result means
With Salah heading to AFCON and his future still uncertain, there remains a possibility that this appearance could prove to be his final outing at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt.
The result lifts Liverpool to sixth place in the Premier League and crucially boosts confidence ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Liverpool will look to build on this victory as they continue their league campaign and prepare for the festive schedule.
For Brighton, the defeat means another match without a win, leaving them just three points behind Liverpool and fighting for momentum in the middle of the table.
MORE FROM NICOLE POWELL: Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah accuses Reds of throwing him under the bus, hints at possible exit
Adam Peaker 
Hyacinth Estrada 
Ian Trinidad