Theo Walcott drops worrying Mohamed Salah claim on Match of the Day after Liverpool footage
Mohamed Salah scored a late penalty to hand Liverpool the three points against Burnley on Sunday.
Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0, when Michael Oliver pointed to the spot in the final seconds after Hannibal Mejbri blocked Jeremie Frimpong’s cross with his arm.
The Reds had struggled to break down the Clarets, with Scott Parker’s team defending deep on the edge of their box following Lesley Ugochukwu’s red card.
Liverpool set a Premier League record with the goal, becoming the first team to win four consecutive games thanks to winners scored in the final 10 minutes or later.
Alexander Isak was not involved against Burnley, with the striker expected to make his debut for Arne Slot’s side this week against Atletico Madrid.
Theo Walcott gives verdict on Mohamed Salah form
Salah had scored just one goal in 10 appearances against Burnley before Sunday, but the winger made no mistake when he stepped up to the spot.
The late penalty was a fair reward for Liverpool’s pressure, but it was a lacklustre performance individually from the Egypt international.
The winger was not at his efficient best, often struggling to make an impression on his opposing defender in open play.
And that can be said for much of Salah’s season so far, despite the 33-year-old registering three direct goal contributions in his four appearances.
| Mohamed Salah | Vs Burnley (A) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Accurate crosses | 0 |
| Dispossessed | 2 |
| Duels won | 0 |
Theo Walcott told BBC Match of the Day that the forward’s slow start to the season can be put down to his decision-making, rather than his fitness.
“For me right now, he’s in good shape, it’s just the habits I’m talking about,” said the former Arsenal winger.
“Where last year, he’d probably slow it down but it’s just a bit out of character so I’d say the final decisions and the decision-making in the final third is probably his biggest weakness at this moment of time.
Walcott continued: “When you look at a player who is maybe not playing to his ability, but still not shying away from the ball for me, because I’ve been in this position before.
“He puts the ball in some good areas, but I wouldn’t be worried at all if I was a Liverpool fan right now.”
Could Mohamed Salah’s position finally come under threat?
Since his arrival at Liverpool in the summer of 2017, Salah’s position on the right of the attack has never been in question.
The winger’s sensational numbers speak for themselves, and last season was arguably his best season yet.
- Mohamed Salah scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League last season.
- After four games played, the winger had already registered six direct goal contributions.
But if there is anything Slot has shown since his appointment as Liverpool boss, it is that he is not afraid to make big decisions.
Isak’s introduction will increase the competition in the front three spots for the Reds, and Salah, whilst anything but a liability, must prove his importance to the team the same way as anyone else.
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