Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead on Wednesday after a remarkable solo effort caught Arsenal off guard in Philadelphia.
Harvey Elliott delivered a perfectly timed pass to Salah down the right flank. The Egyptian evaded Oleksandr Zinchenko and fended off Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior before sliding his shot past Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Karl Hein. This goal demonstrated to the packed US audience why Salah is regarded as one of the top players in global football.
At Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Liverpool clearly dominated the atmosphere with more of their fans present than Arsenal supporters. Nonetheless, there was concern among the US-based Liverpool fans as Salah struggled during the warm-up, missing the target frequently.
The 32-year-old had an uncharacteristically poor performance during shooting drills, sending most of his attempts over the bar or off target. Despite his frustration, he proved his worth when it mattered most.
This moment encapsulated Salah’s Liverpool career, where he has consistently impacted games even when not at his best. His swift run was a classic display of his skill, and new head coach Arne Slot will be hoping for continued excellence from the winger next season.
Salah ranks as one of Liverpool’s greatest goalscorers, currently fifth on the club’s all-time list with 211 goals. Since his arrival in 2017, following Liverpool’s £36.5 million acquisition from Roma, he has been pivotal to the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp.
Chelsea originally signed Salah in 2014 for £11 million after his impressive stint at Basel, but he was soon deemed surplus to requirements. His loan season at Roma led to a permanent move in 2016, and Liverpool’s subsequent acquisition was a major financial success, despite the high cost.
Salah’s importance to Liverpool is evident as he heads into the final year of his contract. He became the highest-paid player in the club’s history with his three-year deal signed in July 2022, worth about £350,000 per week.
If Liverpool cannot agree on an extension with Salah, he could leave as a free agent next summer. Given his immense value during his peak, losing him without compensation would be a significant blow. However, it’s improbable Liverpool would entertain a sale this summer. For both Liverpool and Salah, the future hinges on securing a new deal.
