Mohamed Salah put rumours about his future to rest by scoring as Liverpool cruised through Aston Villa to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side turned down a £150 million approach from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for the Egypt international, with the Reds claiming the 31-year-old is not for sale.
And Salah demonstrated his value to Liverpool by scoring their third goal in the second half at Anfield, blasting in at the back post from Darwin Nunez’s cross to secure the Reds’ third league victory in a row.
Dominik Szoboszlai got the hosts off to a quick start, scoring his first goal for the club with a clean strike through a packed box after only three minutes.
Villa, who have been scoring like crazy since losing 5-1 to Newcastle in their season opener, were way too open at the back as they failed to deal with Liverpool’s strikers.
Nunez’s shot hit the post and bounced in off the unlucky Matty Cash in the 22nd minute, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead.
In a furious first half, Liverpool appeared capable of scoring with every assault, however Villa’s case was hampered by an untimely change when centre-back Diego Carlos walked off with an injury inside the first 20 minutes.
Nunez nearly scored his third goal in two games, but his attempt deflected off the crossbar.
Alisson made a fantastic save in the second half to keep Cash’s header out, but Salah’s second goal of the season sealed a win that took Liverpool up to third in the Premier League, two points behind champions Manchester City.
While a Liverpool newcomer got the Reds started in this game, much of the attention at Anfield was on a stalwart, as the future of talisman Salah remained uncertain.
The Reds have consistently stated that they have no intention of letting Salah leave, but with the Saudi Pro League transfer market not shutting until September 7, it is probable that their resolve will be challenged once more with claims of a £200 million bid.
