13 August 2023 , 17:29
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Mohamed Salah let his frustration show as he furiously reacted to being substituted against Chelsea.
The Egyptian wideman played a key role in Liverpool's opener as he teed-up Luis Diaz with a stunning pass, only to see Axel Disasi equalise for the hosts on his debut. Salah's contributions were halted in the second half however as Jurgen Klopp elected to take him off with ten minutes of normal time remaining.
He did not agree with that decision, throwing his arms up as he spotted his number on the fourth official's board. His protestations continued as he cut a folorn figure and then angrily threw his wrist tape onto the Stamford Bridge turf.
Chelsea fans lapped up his reaction as the former Blues winger left the pitch to a chorus of ironic cheers. He then had a somewhat tense exchange with boss Klopp, as the German ignored his star forward.
Liverpool youngster Ben Doak came on in place of Salah but wasn't able to inspire Liverpool to victory, with the points being shared between the two sides. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher sympathised with Salah following his withdrawal.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "I can understand his frustration. He was electric in the first half but Liverpool havent been in the game in the second. It is a really bold move to bring such a young player on in Ben Doak."
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The decision to take Salah off the pitch also deprived him of the chance to extend a stunning record on the opening day of the Premier League season. Before the trip to Stamford Bridge, Salah had scored in the Reds' last six opening league fixtures.
He will certainly hope to have a better time of things next time out as Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield for their first home game of the campaign. The winger has a stunning record against the Cherries with eight goals in as many games throughout his career.
Whilst the clash between Liverpool and Chelsea ended level, the two sides look set to continue doing battle off the pitch. They are going head-to-head for the signings of midfield stars Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
The Reds have seen a bid for the Brighton man accepted but his preference is to move to Stamford Bridge before the end of the window. Meanwhile, Southampton boss Russell Martin has confirmed that Lavia is set to move on sooner rather than later amid interest from both Chelsea and Liverpool.