Salah Silences Doubters with Record-Breaking Premier League Milestone in Triumphant Liverpool Comeback

Following a turbulent week filled with tension and criticism, social media backlash and an overwhelming sense of melancholy regarding how events had unfolded, Mohamed Salah emerged from the substitutes' bench at Anfield on Saturday to dramatically shift the atmosphere.

Liverpool secured victory against Brighton courtesy of a double from Hugo Ekitiké, with the second strike resulting from Salah's wicked curling corner kick.

This assist marked the Egyptian star's 277th direct Premier League goal involvement for Liverpool, surpassing Wayne Rooney's record for Manchester United. No other player in the league's history has contributed to more goals for a single team.

Most Premier League Goal Contributions for a Single Club

Just days before, it seemed Salah might never get the opportunity to establish this new milestone.

Following his role as an unused substitute during last weekend's stalemate with Leeds United, the sidelined attacker delivered a remarkable seven-and-a-half-minute tirade targeting both the club and his coach. Even Harry Kane received criticism.

Salah hinted that Brighton's visit could be his final home match at Anfield, bringing his family to Merseyside for what might be a farewell. Arne Slot questioned his participation entirely by excluding him from the squad for Tuesday's Champions League victory against Inter.

Nevertheless, peace talks occurred throughout the week, allowing Salah to earn a spot on the bench for the Brighton fixture. An early injury to Joe Gomez forced Slot's decision, as Dominik Szoboszlai was required at right-back with Conor Bradley suspended and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, creating an opening on the flank for Salah.

It was evident how hesitant the returning winger was to take shots after being criticized for excessive selfishness in recent weeks and months. Salah instead became the creator, recording his 88th Premier League assist in Liverpool colors. Combined with his 189 league goals for the Reds, Saturday's performance allowed the 33-year-old to achieve a meaningful historical moment at the cost of one of his harshest critics.

Sweet Revenge for Salah Over Rooney

Rooney had urged Slot to bench Salah a week before the Dutch manager initially placed Liverpool's longtime star among the substitutes against West Ham United in the club's final November fixture.

Following Salah's inflammatory statements, Rooney was unrestrained in his harsh assessment of those remarks. "If anything, he has betrayed Liverpool with his statements," the former Manchester United striker declared.

Salah clearly understands the English media environment—his ongoing feud with Jamie Carragher demonstrates this—and achieving victory over such a vocal critic undoubtedly made Saturday's triumph even more satisfying.

Salah vs. Rooney