Never doubt Salah and other things learned as Liverpool beat Leicester

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  • Mohamed Salah scored twice to equal Roger Hunt’s club record for goals scored before the turn of the year as Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1.

    The Egypt international took his tally to 23 for the campaign, with 17 in the league, with a second-half double to reach the same mark set by Hunt in 1961-62.

    Liverpool had been trailing to an early goal for Jamie Vardy, who set a Leicester record of his own by becoming the first Foxes player to score in five successive matches against the Reds.

    Here, we examine three things learned from Anfield.

    ROBERTSON MAKES REDS CROSS

    Andy Robertson attempted six crosses against Leicester – the second highest in the game – but not one was deemed accurate, according to whoscored.com.

    Cold-hard statistics aren’t required to provide evidence for his dreadful delivery and it’s not just that his crossing can be poor.

    Indeed, going forward the only real danger he provides is from that left foot and Alberto Moreno is a much more dynamic full-back in that regard.

    The Spaniard is far better at coming in field and linking up the play and Robertson’s attacking repertoire starts and ends with a cross.

    To his credit, defensively he has sealed up the left flank with his no-nonsense approach and excellent positioning far better than Moreno.

    He made two tackles, one interception, one block and one clearance against the Foxes but going forward Liverpool need more quality from the Scotland international.

    Moreno could return to action from injury for the Manchester City clash in two weeks time and few would have predicted at the beginning of the season he’d be a miss.

    Andy Robertson is closed down by Daniel Amartey

    Andy Robertson is closed down by Daniel Amartey

    DEFENCE DOES KLOPP A FAVOUR

    While we’re on the subject of Liverpool’s defence, the boys at the back are certainly doing Jurgen Klopp a favour.

    Not in their performances but with a justification for splashing out a world-record fee for a defender on Virgil van Dijk.

    The Dutchman was in the stands ahead of his confirmed arrival on January 1 and while boss Klopp would probably prefer slowly integrate the 26-year-old, he may have no other option.

    Joel Matip’s lazy pass out of the back led to Leicester’s early opener but it wasn’t just another individual error which highlights the importance of signing Van Dijk.

    In one-on-one situations, Dejan Lovren and Matip were both really uncomfortable when left to defend against the pace of Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Demarai Gray.

    There is a clear lack of authority in those situations but fortunately for Klopp, that is the pressure Van Dijk not only embraces but thrives on.

    The German will also hope that his new signing will help to eradicate the final 10 minutes of panic which infects his side when not five goals clear.

    They were left to cling on against the visitors with no genuine leadership from the back to calm things down and manage the game out comfortably.

    Liverpool's new defender Virgil van Dijk

    Liverpool’s new defender Virgil van Dijk

    NEVER DOUBT SALAH

    Two missed golden opportunities from Salah in the first half had home fans questioning if they would come to regret it.

    Not a chance. Yes, the Egyptian will miss chances but unlike some players he doesn’t hide away from his flaws.

    Instead Salah just continues to search for the next opportunity as if the error helps him find another gear.

    His two goals to win a crucial three points were magnificent. Now, this is no direct hyperbolic comparison but what his finishes typified is Salah’s Lionel-Messi like balance in tight situations.

    It seems the hotter the pressure on him, the colder his ability to find the net. His low centre of gravity allows for a tighter touch and for a defender it’s incredibly difficult to dig out the ball when you can’t see exactly where it is.

    By the time Salah shifts the ball out of his feet, he’s made the space he needs to find the net.

    Defenders don’t know whether to go in tight or give him room because either way the Liverpool man has the tools to punish the opposition.

    According to @BassTunedToRed, it’s now 23 goals in 2017 making Salah Liverpool’s joint-10th highest scorer in a calendar year. A remarkable feat considering he didn’t play until August 12.

    What a signing he has been for the Reds.

    Mohamed Salah celebrates his equaliser

    Mohamed Salah celebrates his equaliser

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