EPL: Mohamed Salah Makes History as Liverpool Draw with Manchester United
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah etched his name further into Premier League history on Sunday afternoon, matching Thierry Henry’s legendary tally with his 175th goal during a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Anfield.
The 32-year-old Egyptian star entered the blockbuster clash with an impressive record of 12 goals and six assists against the Red Devils, the most by any player in Premier League history.
The match began cautiously for both teams, with Liverpool struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. However, the intensity picked up early in the second half when Manchester United took the lead with a stunning strike from Lisandro Martinez. Just when it seemed the Red Devils might seize control, Liverpool struck back almost immediately. Cody Gakpo curled in a beautiful equalizer just seven minutes later, igniting the home crowd.
Salah’s moment came shortly after when he was awarded a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt was penalized for handball. The pressure was on as Salah approached the spot, but he dispatched the penalty with authority, sending Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana diving in vain.
This goal not only marked Salah’s 18th of the season but also propelled him past former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s record of 30 direct goal contributions in the first 19 games of a Premier League season, as Salah now boasts an astounding 31 (18 goals and 13 assists).
Despite his individual brilliance, the match was far from over. Amad Diallo capitalized on a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho to level the score again for United, salvaging a point for Ruben Amorim’s side. Liverpool had a chance to secure all three points late in the game, but Harry Maguire squandered a clear opportunity, sending his shot over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reflected on the match, acknowledging the disappointment of dropping points at home but also recognizing the potential for a worse outcome had United converted their late chance. “It could have been a lot worse, to be absolutely honest,” Van Dijk told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We are definitely disappointed with dropping points, but we must move on.”
Both teams were left feeling frustrated with the final score, as United’s Bruno Fernandes echoed his skipper’s sentiments about the missed opportunities.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will shift their focus to the EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, followed by an FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley next Saturday.
