Liverpool's Next Chapter? Slot Drops Salah as Isak Steers West Ham Win

Liverpool signalled a potential new era as manager Arne Slot named a reshaped side for the Premier League clash at West Ham, with Mohamed Salah left on the bench. The 2-0 victory suggested the squad can move forward with a plan beyond Salah’s influence.

Salah’s omission marked the first time he had been benched in the league since April 2024, a decision that sits within Slot’s evolving plan rather than a permanent departure from the forward. The day’s headlines followed a tense moment in a previous draw, underscoring the broader context of Slot’s squad reshaping.

Slot’s selection carried a message about the club’s direction: a shift towards a younger, more dynamic attack while maintaining Klopp’s recent strategic ideas. The reshaped lineup produced a win after a difficult spell, aided by the performances of new arrivals and a more flexible midfield structure.

• Isak’s rising influence helped Liverpool end a poor run in the league

• Wirtz pulled the strings in midfield, showing why the club invested heavily

Slot moved Dominik Szoboszlai away from defensive duties and into a more forward role on the right, with Cody Gakpo on the left and Isak leading the line. Joe Gomez started at right-back, freeing Szoboszlai to advance higher up the pitch and helping Liverpool earn a clean sheet after shipping goals in several recent games.

Salah watched from the bench as Slot’s plan unfolded. Slot stressed that Salah remains a key talent with a bright future at the club, especially after signing a fresh two-year contract in the summer, but form will dictate his role in the short term.

EXPERT COMMENT: Former England captain Alan Shearer told INLIBER Sport that Slot’s call was bold but understandable given Liverpool’s recent results. He added that Salah cannot complain when his form dips, as the team must prioritise results over sentiment.

In truth, Salah’s absence this day does not end his influence at Anfield; it simply signals that Liverpool are prepared to adapt for the team’s success if necessary.

Isak’s breakthrough goal in this match came from Szoboszlai’s cross, followed by a powerful late strike that sealed the points and provided a much-needed lift for the club. The win also highlighted the potential of Wirtz, whose intelligent play offered additional attacking options and creativity.

For Salah, the match represented a moment of personal recalibration rather than a career turning point. He has started 53 league games in a row before this fixture and remains a potent scorer when fit and in form, but Slot’s approach marks a cautious plan to secure long-term progress.

Totalling his career at Liverpool, Salah has appeared 419 times with 250 goals and remains one of the club’s top scorers. The team’s win percentage with Salah on the field remains high, underscoring his talent even as Slot experiments with the squad.

As Liverpool look ahead to their next tests, Slot’s blueprint—balancing attacking threat with defensive solidity—will be closely watched to determine whether this was a one-off shift or the start of a broader strategic redefinition.

Expert note: Alan Shearer noted that Slot’s decision was bold but justified by current form, and warned that Salah must accept rotation if his performances dip. The result provides a blueprint that could shape Liverpool’s approach in the weeks ahead.

Key insight: Liverpool’s reshaped lineup shows the team can adapt and find momentum beyond Salah when complementing attackers deliver. BBC Sport