Mohamed Salah was yet again the standout performer for the Reds in their 1-1 derby draw at home to Everton, where the Egyptian bagged Liverpool’s sole goal just before half time to make it 1-0 to Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Fan Favourite Salah was quickest out of the blocks for Klopp’s side as they searched for an early goal, yet both resolute defending and a lack of composure in front of goal meant that an opener was hard to come by. Salah was constantly attacking Cuco Martina down Everton’s left, yet was left somewhat frustrated as the final ball simply didn’t arrive. The fan favourite continuously drove at the left back with his lightning quick pace and superior technical ability, yet the match stats at the final whistle proved just how wasteful the home side were; 3 shots on target from a total of 23.
The breakthrough did however arrive in the 42nd minute, and it was Salah who found the back of the net with a stunning goal from inside the Everton area. After showing fantastic strength to shove off two opposing defenders, the pacey winger took one look up and curled an audacious effort past the stranded Jordan Pickford, who could only watch the ball glide past him and into the top corner. The amazing effort sent the home fans into delirium as Salah’s goal set the Merseyside Derby alight.
Salah has now bagged 19 goals in 24 appearances for Liverpool this season in all competitions, as many as he netted for Roma last season in 41 games, and the attacker has been directly involved in 23 goals for Liverpool in all competitions this season, two more than any other player in the Premier League, a simply unbelievable return for such a shrewd signing by Klopp in the current transfer climate.
Liverpool have now equalled their longest-ever unbeaten run against Everton in all competitions – 15 games – set between March 1972 and April 1978, yet this performance mirrored the Liverpool of last season, where the Reds often enjoyed much of the possession yet left the stadium without all three points.
The Reds face another tough test as they welcome West Brom to Anfield on Wednesday night, before travelling to Bournemouth for the late kick off on Sunday, where Salah will once again more than likely find the back of the net and continue his fantastic form in a Liverpool shirt.
