Mohamed Salah’s penalty troubles continue

Mohamed Salah’s latest miss from the spot has intensified questions around his penalty-taking role at Liverpool, with the forward now having failed to convert five penalties since the start of 2024.

It was also his second miss in a row, a worrying trend for a player once regarded as one of the most reliable finishers from twelve yards.

The miss came in the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, where a goal could have shifted momentum in Liverpool’s favour. Instead, it added to the pressure on both Salah and the team during an already demanding stage of the season. Some observers felt it might have been wiser to hand the responsibility to a younger teammate in better recent form from the spot.

Salah’s struggles are now forcing Liverpool to reflect on their penalty strategy. With other players in the squad boasting stronger recent records from the spot, the coaching staff may have to consider a change to maximise crucial scoring opportunities in tight games.

Even so, Salah’s overall legacy at the club remains immense, and any decision will need to balance short-term pragmatism with respect for one of Liverpool’s modern greats.