In this column, we track the best Arab football talents plying their trade in the Premier League and round-up their accomplishments every week.
Mohamed Salah features again this week after starring for Liverpool in their 1-1 home draw with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, West Brom’s Ahmed Hegazi impressed in marshalling Tottenham’s high-flying attack, while Riyad Mahrez endured a frustrating evening for Leicester.
Here’s a look at how these Arab footballers fared this weekend.
MOHAMED SALAH | LIVERPOOL 1-1 CHELSEA
Salah was the focal point of Liverpool’s attack at Anfield with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino dropped from the Liverpool XI.
The Egyptian tormented Chelsea’s defence throughout the contest and showed yet again why he’s one of the Premier League’s best players with a superb goal on 65 minutes.
Against a Chelsea defence that was indestructible last season, Salah was too hot to handle.
KEY STATS
Minutes – 90
Goals – 1
Assists – 0
Shots – 7
Shots on target – 2
Pass accuracy – 76%
Key Passes – 2
Dribbles – 4
RATING – 8/10
Salah scored his league-leading 10th Premier League goal of the season.
AHMED HEGAZI | TOTTENHAM 1-1 WEST BROM
Ahmed Hegazi was part of a stifling West Brom rearguard that kept Tottenham at bay on Saturday to earn a vital point at Wembley in the first game since the dismissal of Tony Pulis.
While he found himself on the losing end of a few one-on-ones, Hegazi was otherwise a solid presence in West Brom’s backline, continuing an effective partnership with Jonny Evans.
It was a good start for interim manager Gary Megson, and he should definitely be thanking his Egyptian defender for another commanding performance.
KEY STATS
Minutes – 90
Tackles – 2
Clearances – 9
Blocks – 2
Interceptions – 1
Passing Accuracy – 71%
Touches – 35
Aerials Won – 0
RATING: 7/10
Hegazi helped keep Harry Kane and company quiet.
RIYAD MAHREZ | WEST HAM 1-1 LEICESTER CITY
Riyad Mahrez has rarely hit the heights of the 2015/16 season when his inspired performances helped Leicester City claim the Premier League title.
While many Leicester players saw their motivation dip after that success, nobody seems to have struggled as much as Mahrez, who yet again cut a frustrated figure at the London Stadium.
There were a few trademark dribbles but he failed to impose himself on the game, drifting in and out before being substituted after 70 minutes.
At the moment, it seems like the Algerian needs a move to a bigger club so that he can be challenged again.
KEY STATS
Minutes – 70
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 1
Shots on target – 1
Pass accuracy – 71%
Key Passes – 0
Dribbles – 3
RATING – 6/10
Friday night wasn’t one of Riyad Mahrez’s better performances.
