No player has achieved 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool quicker than the Egypt international, who put his side ahead at St. Mary’s on Friday
Mohamed Salah said he was happy and proud to break a Liverpool record after ending his drought in a crucial victory over Southampton.
Salah put Liverpool ahead with 10 minutes to go at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday, with Jordan Henderson including another in the closing stages to seal a 3-1 win.
Victory moves Liverpool back above Manchester City in the title race, with the Reds two points clear, yet having played one more game than the defending champions.
With his first goal in nine games in all competitions, Salah turned into the quickest player ever to score 50 times in the Premier League for Liverpool.
And the relief from Salah was clear as he clowned about captain Henderson’s own form in front of goal in a post-match interview.
“I think that’s goal number 50 for Liverpool in the Premier League so that’s special,” Salah said to Sky Sports after netting his 18th strike in the league this term.
“After nine games I’m happy and proud, but the team and three points is most important. My first goal in nine games, his [Henderson’s] first goal in 20 games!”
Klopp’s double change early in the second half demonstrated key, the introduction of James Milner and Henderson playing an essential role in their late show.
“To make a difference and have an impact, that’s what me and Milly wanted to do and thankfully we’ve done that and managed to win the game. Overall a big win for us,” Liverpool’s captain told Sky Sports.
“I feel as though coming on I wanted to make an impact and I’ve not been in many goalscoring positions, playing deeper, but the manager said to get in more attacking positions and I managed to do that.
“We wanted to use the experience and make an impact in the game. The lads were a bit under pressure but still had chances. We wanted to use our heads and I’m so pleased to get the result we needed, a big win for us.”
Virgil van Dijk had a nervy first half on his arrival to his previous club yet he felt Liverpool did enough.
“There’s not many games left, any mistake can cost us. We wanted to win no matter what,” Van Dijk said to Sky Sports.
“They didn’t have a chance apart from set pieces second half, a well-deserved win.”