When the number 11 flashed on the board in the 77th minute, Mohamed Salah walked toward the touchline, and Anfield rose as one, giving the Egyptian star a thunderous ovation against Brighton.
Salah clapped the fans in return, raised his left arm in acknowledgment, then shook hands calmly with coach Arne Slot.
Known for hating substitutions, Salah this time accepted it with unusual calm, happily making way for a youngster after he had already driven Liverpool into the FA Cup last 16 with a stellar display.
For only the third time in his Liverpool career, he scored, assisted and won a penalty in the same game, something he had last done in December 2018 versus Newcastle and Arsenal.
The Athletic highlighted how Salah has regained huge popularity at Liverpool, noting his improved defensive work, ball recoveries and chance creation since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot has praised his off-the-ball contribution, while Virgil van Dijk insists Salah remains vital even with lower goal numbers this season. With seven goals in 27 games and a contract until 2027, questions linger about his long-term future, but his recent form suggests he is determined to sign off, whenever that comes, on a powerful high.
