Liverpool secured a much-needed 2-0 victory against Brighton in the Premier League, thanks to a brace from Hugo Ekitike. The win was overshadowed by the highly anticipated return of Mohamed Salah, who came off the bench and provided the assist for Ekitike's second goal, following an intense public dispute with the club and manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool (2) vs. Brighton (0): The home side returned to winning ways after a shocking run of results that derailed their title defense. French forward Hugo Ekitike scored the first goal just 46 seconds into the match, assisted by Joe Gomez.
Salah, who was named on the bench amid intense scrutiny over his future, entered the match in the 26th minute to a huge ovation, replacing the injured defender Joe Gomez.
Ekitike scored his second goal in the 60th minute, nodding home a corner delivered by Mohamed Salah. The 2-0 win lifts manager Arne Slot's men to sixth in the table, temporarily easing pressure on the team.
Salah had previously accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" after being benched for the third consecutive match during the 3-3 draw at Leeds.
Salah also publicly stated he had "no relationship with manager Arne Slot." Slot had expressed hope that Salah would stay, saying he had no reason not to want him.
Salah, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, is about to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Salah confirmed he attended the Brighton match to "say goodbye to the fans" before the tournament, adding, "I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there," fueling speculation of a potential permanent move, possibly to the lucrative Saudi Pro League.
Salah is third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring charts with 250 goals, but his Premier League goal tally this season stands at just four, compared to 29 last season.
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