Baffled Salah hits back at critics after tallying stunning Liverpool record

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah says he deserves more recognition for the assists he provides, after reaching a fantastic milestone for goal contributions on Wednesday.

Salah scored in either half and set up Jordan Henderson in between as Liverpool beat Brighton 3-1.

The Egyptian‘s latest work, on his 104th Premier League appearance, saw him reach 100 league goal contributions – 73 of his own and 23 assists.

Indeed, he has done so faster than club icons Steven Gerrard (212), Robbie Fowler (158) and Michael Owen (148).

Asked by Sky Sports after the game why critics overlook his penchant for assists, Salah said: “I don’t know why. But I think I have a good [assists] number since I came here.

“Each season I always have a good number. But people always look at me like I’m a goalscorer more than my assists.

“But if they look at my number of assists, in my position I’m doing really well.”

Salah and Henderson fired Liverpool into a two-goal lead within eight minutes against Brighton, who were caught playing expansively from the back amid the Reds’ counter-pressing.

Indeed, it was Naby Keita, who has struggled for consistency so far, whose pressing set Liverpool on their way.

However, the Seagulls fought back and, after a first-half improvement, Leandro Trossard made it 2-1 after the break.

SALAH’S VITAL CLINCHER

Salah, though, made it 19 Premier League goals for the season with a header from a corner to finish off the contest.

“I think it was a good game for fans to watch,” Salah added. “They played really well from the back and they had a good game.

“We were lucky to score in the beginning so it made the game a little bit easier to just have the confidence from the beginning.

“After 2-1, they have more confidence as they try to play more football, they were close to scoring the second.  So scoring the third one made the game calm again and we have more confidence that the game is almost over.”

Liverpool return to action on Saturday when Burnley are the visitors to Anfield.

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