Slot Hails ‘Unbelievable’ Salah After Egyptian Equals Liverpool Assist Record

Arne Slot paid tribute to Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian forward equalled Liverpool’s Premier League assist record during Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Salah delivered a perfectly weighted corner in the 61st minute, which Virgil van Dijk powered home to secure a crucial three points for the Reds. The assist was Salah’s 92nd in the Premier League for Liverpool, drawing him level with club legend Steven Gerrard.

Praise Amid Renewed Harmony

Slot’s glowing remarks signalled the continued improvement in his relationship with Salah following tensions earlier this season. The forward had publicly expressed frustration after being left out of the starting line-up during a prolonged dip in form, claiming he had been “thrown under the bus”.

Speculation over his future intensified at the time, but the situation was swiftly resolved, and Salah has since re-established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“He has so many records for this club, but to have this one alongside such a great player is special,” Slot said. “Both were unbelievable players for this club.

“Unfortunately for Steven, I expect — or at least I hope — Mo will go above him.”

Crucial Victory in European Race

Liverpool’s win ended Sunderland’s unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season and provided a significant boost to their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Slot’s side, currently sixth, are now just two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and three adrift of Manchester United in fourth.

“Very important,” Slot said of the result. “We had only two days’ rest before coming to a difficult away ground, but we showed again how well we can play in possession.

“The character we showed throughout the whole game was very good, and that’s why we leave here with a 1-0 win.

“In the second half, we had many good moments and several situations where our quality players found themselves in promising positions. Overall, our work rate was excellent.”

Injury Concern for Endo

However, the victory was tempered by concern over Wataru Endo, who was stretchered off in the first half.

The Japan international had been filling in at right-back due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Dominik Szoboszlai is currently suspended.

“We don’t expect positive news,” Slot admitted. “We have to wait and see, but we anticipate that we may be without him for quite a long time.

“It’s not the first time we’ve had issues at right-back this season. We’ve dealt with it before and we will have to find solutions again to keep performing well.”

Liverpool will hope Salah’s enduring influence continues as they seek to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season.