Slot: “It’s not just about Salah’s goals, his work rate was key” | OneFootball

Arne Slot Highlights Mohamed Salah’s Key Role in Liverpool Victory

Liverpool manager Arne Slot effusively praised Mohamed Salah following the Reds’ commanding 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Anfield. Salah’s performance, both offensively and defensively, stood out as Liverpool extended their six-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

Salah’s All-Around Contribution Shines

Salah, now 32 years old and in his final contract season, demonstrated his well-rounded capabilities during the match. While his goal-scoring prowess was on display as he netted Liverpool’s second goal, his defensive determination truly caught the attention of the Anfield faithful.

A pivotal moment unfolded when Salah, after losing possession in the attacking third, sprinted back to the halfway line to dispossess Jaden Philogene and recover the ball for Liverpool. This tenacity was a testament to his commitment to the team beyond his offensive contributions.

Slot acknowledged this during his post-match interview, saying, “It’s also nice that you [journalists] come up with it because mostly with Mo [Salah], it is about his contract or his goals, and now it is about his defensive work rate. That stood out because it was a moment which we could all see.”

Dominance Against Ipswich

Liverpool’s attacking firepower was on full display as Cody Gakpo scored twice, adding to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Salah. The Reds dominated possession, rarely allowing Ipswich a chance to advance into their half. Slot was particularly impressed by his side’s ability to nullify Ipswich’s counter-attacking threats, which included Liam Delap and their speedy wingers.

“Playing against a team with fast wingers and a good number nine – that goes to such a low block – it is so difficult to control the counter-attack,” Slot explained. “The only way to do so is to do what Mo did in this moment and so many other players did in different moments.”

A Near-Perfect Display

While Liverpool conceded their first goal from a corner this season, Slot emphasised the team’s overall excellence. He noted the aggression and dominance with which Liverpool began the match, keeping Ipswich on the back foot for the vast majority of the game.

“I think today is the way you want to start the game,” Slot reflected. “We were aggressive, dominant. For 85 minutes, they hardly came into our half, I think. It’s a counter-attack threat with the wingers they have and Delap, but we managed to control that so, so well because of the amount of work we have put in.”

Eyes on the Title

As Liverpool remain in pole position in the Premier League, the spotlight on Salah’s future grows brighter. However, Slot’s remarks underscored that Salah’s impact on the pitch continues to outweigh the distractions off it.

With performances like these, Liverpool fans will hope Salah and the rest of the squad can maintain their momentum as the title race heats up.