Liverpool 2-0 Sheff Utd: 5 things we learned – Nobody could deal with Virgil van Dijk

Mohamed Salah is feeling sharp

Salah has seen his form go up and down like a fiddler’s elbow over Christmas but this was one of his better performances this campaign. His run across the defender for the goal was an excellent example of movement, anticipation and composure while his play for the rest of the game was arguably better.

Dean Henderson pulled off a brilliant save to deny the Egyptian a second, but it was the forward’s nous that got him in such a good position to score. Salah stayed behind the defender, made sure he was unsighted the whole time, and then made a quick dart to meet the ball and was denied by the England goalkeeper in waiting.

A third opportunity would come after a nice slalom across the front of the Sheffield defence and good shot that was well saved by Henderson, while a fourth – an excellent half volley that Henderson pushed wide for a throw in after Firmino’s airshot rebounded off bodies and fell to the Egyptain outside the area – displayed perfect technique to hit an awkwardly bouncing ball.

His run and pass back to Mane was gorgeous as well as he hit the eye of a needle to find his partner in crime. All in all, this was an excellent night for Salah who reminded us all of his gifts as we go into the new year.