Liverpool’s tense clash with had everything — drama, frustration, tactical gambles… and a moment involving that quickly got fans talking.
With the score locked at 0-0 late in the second half, manager made a bold call that raised eyebrows across the stadium.
And Salah’s reaction did not go unnoticed.
The Substitution That Sparked Debate
In the 77th minute, Slot decided to shake things up. Salah was withdrawn and replaced by , while also made way.
Liverpool were struggling to find rhythm at the City Ground. The attacking fluency simply wasn’t there, and the game felt like it needed fresh energy.
But as Salah made his way to the bench, cameras caught something interesting.
The Egyptian forward was seen laughing and shaking his head in apparent disbelief. Whether it was light-hearted banter with teammates or frustration at being substituted remains open to interpretation — but his body language suggested he wasn’t entirely pleased.
Social media erupted almost instantly.
A Familiar Pattern?
This isn’t the first time Salah’s on-field emotions have made headlines.
The former winger has previously been linked with tensions surrounding managerial decisions. At one point, he even hinted publicly that his relationship with Slot had become strained after feeling exposed in media comments.
So when cameras zoomed in on him reacting to the substitution, fans naturally began to speculate.
Was it frustration?
Was it disbelief at his performance?
Or simply the heat of the moment in a high-pressure title race?
The Stats Don’t Lie
If we look purely at the numbers, the decision becomes easier to understand.
Salah’s performance against Forest was below his usual high standards:
- 77 minutes played
- 1 big chance created
- 0 shots
- 0 ground duels won
He received one of the lowest ratings on the pitch, only slightly above .
For a player known for decisive late goals and magical moments, it was an unusually quiet afternoon.
A Risk That Paid Off
Slot needed a spark. Liverpool needed urgency. And sometimes even legends have to make way for tactical reasons.
In the end, the gamble worked.
Liverpool managed to grind out a 1-0 victory away from home — a result that could prove massive in the title race. While Salah may not have been thrilled in the moment, the manager’s decision was ultimately vindicated.
It’s also worth remembering: this is the same Salah who has repeatedly rescued Liverpool in the dying minutes of matches. His pedigree is unquestionable.
One subdued performance doesn’t erase years of brilliance.
Frustration or Fire?
Top players hate being taken off. That competitive edge is part of what makes them elite.
Whether Salah’s reaction was irritation or simply competitive frustration, one thing is clear — he’ll be determined to respond next time.
And if history tells us anything, it’s this:
Write him off at your own risk.