Slot makes a defining call
Liverpool moved toward a new era at the London Stadium and earned a 2-0 win at West Ham. Arne Slot left Mohamed Salah on the bench for the first time in a league match since April 2024. Jurgen Klopp made that earlier call. Salah dominated that day with a touchline clash and a terse remark to reporters. Slot’s choice now carried greater meaning and hinted at Liverpool’s direction after a £450m rebuild.
Searching for a successor
Observers urged Slot to drop Salah after several poor displays. Wayne Rooney voiced that view in recent weeks. Replacing a world-class forward remains the hard part. Salah stands third in Liverpool’s scoring charts behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. Slot offered a glimpse of the future with a reshaped attack.
New structure brings overdue success
Liverpool finally ended a grim run of nine defeats in twelve games. Slot saw his ideas work as Alexander Isak struck his first league goal since his record move from Newcastle. Florian Wirtz controlled key passages. Dominik Szoboszlai moved from right-back to the right flank and influenced attacks. Cody Gakpo worked on the left, while Isak led the line. Gakpo crossed for Isak’s opener and added a fierce finish in stoppage time.
Defensive stability returns
Joe Gomez returned at right-back for his first league start in eleven months. His presence freed Szoboszlai and strengthened the defence. Liverpool kept a clean sheet after conceding ten goals in three games. Salah watched from the bench and prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations. Slot reminded everyone that Salah signed a two-year contract and still holds immense value. Current form, however, placed his starting spot at risk. Alan Shearer told a national broadcaster that Slot made a bold but justified choice. He argued that recent performances forced the issue. He added that the decision helped Isak, who proved decisive.
Salah still matters
Liverpool cannot dismiss Salah’s legacy. He started 53 straight league games before this one. He pushed Liverpool toward the title last season. Salah has played 419 games for the club and scored 250 goals. He has made 300 league appearances and scored 188 league goals since joining in 2017. Liverpool won 263 matches with him involved. Slot still must think about life after Salah, and this win offered hints.
Isak finds belief
Slot may restore Salah against Sunderland on Wednesday. Isak will feel a huge lift after ending a 310-minute league drought. He had only scored against Southampton in the Cup this season. His sharp half-volley came on his sixth league outing. Wirtz also showed his pedigree with nimble touches and clever movement. Isak told a national highlights show that he chased this goal for weeks. He said strikers need rhythm and welcomed the clean sheet and two goals.
Pressure eases on Slot
Liverpool earned only their second league win since beating Everton in September. Slot gained relief as his costly summer signings finally produced. This result may mark the start of Liverpool’s gradual shift toward a team that no longer depends on Salah.
