GLASGOW, Scotland: By his own astronomically high standards, this season has been disappointing for Mohamed Salah as he and Liverpool have struggled, but a rampant performance at Rangers on Tuesday saw both player and club rediscover their spark.
Liverpool, who will again be Manchester City’s main contenders for the Premier League title this season, have endured their worst start to a domestic campaign in a decade, having picked up just 10 points from their first eight games.
Salah’s lack of goals was perhaps one of the reasons for their slump.
Two starts from eight is not a form one would normally associate with a player averaging 0.61 goals in the Premier League, but the Egyptian’s struggles have outweighed his side’s struggles.
However, form is only temporary. Salah and Liverpool were in dire need of a ride, while champions Manchester City were next up at Anfield on Sunday. Substitute Salah’s fastest hat-trick in Champions League history in a 7-1 win was just the thing for the doctor.
“We usually drink a beer after an away game, I haven’t had it for so long, after one we’re probably drunk,” joked Jürgen Klopp after the game.
“The relief is great. All the effort pays off. We all know he’s extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary when he’s running for Mo (Salah). Obviously it was a different position for him tonight when he came on.
“I hope for him that everything works out for him from now on, as I hope for us.”
With Salah on the bench for the first time this season, Klopp opted for a more youthful Liverpool line-up as he attempted to push his side to the brink of the last 16 against Rangers and forget their domestic struggles.
It looked like the gamble had backfired as Liverpool conceded their first goal in the first half for the eighth time this season against an impacting Ibrox before a brace from Roberto Firmino turned the game upside down.
Even after Darwin Nunez’s signing at the end of the season, his confidence did very well with a fine finish to make it 3-1. Liverpool didn’t look particularly convincing until Salah entered the fray.
Rangers’ defense left a lot to be desired but the way Salah swept the ball into the net, especially during his treble, was reminiscent of the Egyptian’s best times.
Liverpool will need a special performance to end City’s unbeaten start to the season on Sunday but the chances of Salah making another crucial contribution to this blockbuster tie now look more promising.