Liverpool’s last two away wins in the Premier League have been secured with help from a Mohamed Salah assist — a trend that can re-ignite Jürgen Klopp’s attack.
Wins on the road have been difficult to come by for Liverpool this season. After an early stumble at Craven Cottage on the opening day, the Reds had won just two away league games all season before Saturday’s win over Newcastle United.
When Liverpool does win away from home, Mohamed Salah has always played a key role. Dreams of winning the Premier League title were realistic after the right-winger signed a new contract in the summer, though he has not always played to his best standards this season.
In the last two games, though, there are signs that he is making a change to his playstyle that can help unlock the attack — particularly for Liverpool’s new signings.
Salah’s pass to Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second goal at St. James’ Park was a reminder as to why he was rewarded with a new contract worth around $22m (£18m/€20m). He has looked back to his best in the last two matches, with a goalscoring storm beginning to linger over Anfield.
With games in England’s top flight often decided by moments, there have been too few occasions this season where a goal has been created in an instant. But that could be about to change. Salah is finding the runs of his teammates more, playing to a degree that encourages creating a higher percentage chance — and the players around him are benefitting.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has assisted both Gakpo and Darwin Núñez in the same week. Liverpool’s right flank, as it did against Everton, is starting to come to life.
As a difficult January saw Liverpool make two disappointing trips from the south coast after defeats to Brighton, Klopp has had much to think about in terms of finding solutions. Of course, there are still some defensive issues to manage, with Alisson required to be in-form in Saturday’s win, but the overall indications are promising.
There is more patience in attacking phases, with the Reds able to transition the ball past an opponent’s press without panic. But most importantly, chemistry is beginning to blossom on the forward line — a factor that could finally put an end to some of the disappointing away displays witnessed this season.
For Salah, who has now contributed to three goals in his last four games, an upturn in form couldn’t come at a better time amid a top-four challenge that suddenly looks realistic. And with Liverpool’s next game against Real Madrid, a team who have been a thorn in the side of the Reds throughout the Klopp era, it feels as though the Champions League could once again create a turning point in the season.
Should the Reds manage to avenge last summer’s defeat in Paris, there will be no doubts about whether they can salvage a season that was almost swept away by the current. Liverpool’s core is beginning to stabilize, and as multiple stars return to fitness, Klopp’s side could now put together a run of performances at a stage in the season where they are known to produce their best.
