Mohamed Salah has moved back on top of the Premier League leading scorer charts, with 13 goals, as Liverpool were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw at Newcastle United.
Arne Slot’s table toppers struggled in the first-half on Tyneside as Alexander Isak’s wonder strike put the Magpies in front at the break.
However, the Reds rallied superbly after the restart, as Salah fired home twice from assists by substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, to edge them in front.
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It was not to be at full-time, as an error from Liverpool goal keeper Caoimhin Kelleher allowed Newcastle to snatch an equaliser in the dying seconds, and cut Liverpool’s title lead to seven points.
Despite the late setback, Slot was in positive mood after the game, as he praised the resilience of his players to bounce back.
“I have mixed feelings, we were outstanding in the second half, but not good enough in the first half. Maybe 3-3 is what the game deserved,” he said.
“They (Newcastle) were really aggressive and forced us into mistakes, but we were so much better in the second half. I knew the game could be changed and we were much better with the ball.
“After the week we had, we could change the game, which is a very positive thing to take.”
Mohamed Salah is the first player to be directly involved in 20+ Premier League goals this season.
And he now leads the race for the Golden Boot with 13 goals. đź‘‘#NEWLIV | @bet365 | #Ad pic.twitter.com/tK1Qsz8otu
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 4, 2024
Slot was also asked about his talisman Salah, as speculation continues to swirl over his future at Anfield, with the Egypt international already confirming no contract extension has been received.
Salah, Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk are all out of contact at the end of the campaign and Slot dropped a clear hint over his desire to keep the veteran forward at the club.
“Every time we need Mo Salah, he scores a goal. We are hoping and expecting that he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.”
Liverpool fans will be hoping Slot’s words are an indicator of an incoming announcement over what the club’s plan for Salah is from the start of 2025.