Salah’s Late-life Rescue: Liverpool’s Emergency Sub Sparks Anfield Thriller vs Brighton
13 December 2025
What happened at Anfield
Liverpool hosted Brighton at Anfield in the 16th round of the Premier League, and the match began with an early disruption for the Reds.
In the 24th minute, Joe Gomez complained of pain and could not continue, forcing manager Arne Slot to call for an emergency substitution.
To everyone's surprise, Slot brought Mohamed Salah on to replace Gomez, moving the recovery plan around the right flank.
Salah entered the fray from the 26th minute, as Dominik Szoboszlai shifted to right-back to cover the gap.
The Egyptian forward received a warm reception from the Anfield crowd as he warmed up on the touchline before taking his place.
This marked Salah's first appearance for the Reds since a late substitute cameo against Sunderland in round 14.
It was also his first appearance since a media interview last week after facing Leeds United, where he criticized the club's leadership and Slot, hinting at his desire to be moved on amid the team's struggles.
According to the interview, Salah accused the club of trying to make him a scapegoat and even suggested Slot had thrown him under the bus.
As a consequence, the 33-year-old was left out of Liverpool's trip to Italy to face Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Salah's case raises questions about the club's cohesion as it looks to rebound from a difficult spell in the Premier League.
Liverpool fans will be keen to see how the team responds in the coming fixtures.
Timing is everything in football—Salah's entrance was so precise, even the clock saluted him.
If the season were a screenplay, Salah's cameo would win 'Best Supporting Sub' hands down.
