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Salah lives up to his word
In preparation for the start of the season, Liverpool players were asked who they would recommend buying for the latest Fantasy Premier League.
When it was Mohamed Salah’s turn, there was no hesitation.
“This season for the Fantasy Premier League, sign me,” he said, followed by a characteristic smile.
“Why? Because I get the most points every year, so it’s easy.”
And on the first weekend of the new top-flight campaign, Salah took an emphatic step to justify that unwavering belief in himself.
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After four minutes, the Egyptian had won a penalty with a shot from Robin Koch, a Leeds United debutant. Salah hit the direct shot with poise.
Then, in the 33rd minute, after Liverpool had twice given up the lead, the forward restored natural order with a left-footed shot in the upper corner after Leeds had failed to properly clear an Andy Robertson free kick.
He wasn’t finished yet, holding his nerve from the spot with two minutes remaining to complete his hat-trick, the third of his career with the Reds.
The numbers are still staggering. The Egyptian has 97 goals in 154 club appearances, another three and will become Liverpool’s third-fastest player to reach a century of goals.
To think that there were those who raised concerns about Salah after a disappointing set of performances during the short warm-up program.
They should have known better. Salah always reserves the best for when it matters, this is the fourth consecutive season he has scored in the opening weekend, equaling Teddy Sheringham’s Premier League record.
If Klopp has concerns, Salah is not one of them.
Fabinho sends message to Klopp
No one could claim that Fabinho was doing his best during the preseason.
After a dubious performance in Austria against Red Bull Salzburg, the Brazilian found himself on the receiving end of a forehand from Jurgen Klopp during last week’s final warm-up win over Blackpool.
However, eyebrows were still raised at the fall of the midfielder rather than the returning patron Jordan Henderson here.
In hindsight, it was asking a lot of Henderson by placing him at the heart of such a frenzied and intense battle after more than two months on the sidelines.
But he wasn’t the only Liverpool midfielder who struggled, with Gini Wijnaldum sometimes overwhelmed and Naby Keita flashing intermittently.
When Fabinho was finally introduced by the tired Henderson shortly before the hour, Liverpool at least gained a semblance of control with increased defensive midfield coverage, even if some collective numbness later gave Leeds a third.
The Brazilian proved decisive, however, in a way few could have anticipated, in the area to force the fault of Leeds substitute Rodrigo, that Salah scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.
Fabinho always benefits from rhythm. And with this evidence, it would be a huge surprise for him to be overlooked by Klopp again at Chelsea next weekend.
Reds introduced to the new normal
This was the kind of game that takes years from managers.
But in terms of entertainment, it was a perfect comeback for the Premier League.
Except, of course, for one obvious omission: the supporters. How afternoons like this deserve the presence of those who bring color and atmosphere to the efforts in the field.
Liverpool will be under the microscope like never before this season, that’s what happens when you are champion, and if Leeds have shown anything, it’s that Jurgen Klopp’s team won’t always have total respect.
In fact, the visitors had a greater share of possession, a rarity at Anfield of late.
However, the statistics also paint a more accurate picture of the game, Liverpool rained on 22 shots to six from Leeds while always looking like a threat every time they advanced.
And the Reds clearly still possess the desire and determination to win, no matter how.
But now they will be judged by the remarkable standards that have been set for the past two years. Welcome to the new normal, Liverpool.
* Do you play Fantasy Premier League? Do you stand behind yourself to use your chips in the right match weeks and catch your captain every time? Now is your chance to prove it and win some prizes in the process.
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