Mohamed Salah Dropped as Liverpool’s Form Crisis Deepens Under Arne Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made a seismic team selection for Sunday’s Premier League match against West Ham United. For the first time in his tenure, he has dropped star forward Mohamed Salah to the bench. This decision comes amid the club’s worst run of form in over seven decades.

The Dutch boss is under intense pressure after nine defeats in twelve games. Slot has taken full responsibility for this ruinous sequence of results, deflecting blame from his players.

Slot Cites Fixture Congestion for Shock Omission

Slot presented the decision as a matter of load management. He pointed to a congested schedule of four games in ten days. According to Sky Sports, the manager explained it was a rotation decision, not a permanent demotion.

He stressed that other key attackers have also been rested this season. The lineup sees Florian Wirtz return, offering greater defensive work rate. Alexander Isak leads the line as the central striker.

A Streak Ends and Scrutiny Grows

Salah’s benching ends a remarkable personal streak. He had started all 53 of Slot’s previous Premier League matches. His output has significantly declined this season, with a goal involvement every 179 minutes compared to 72 minutes last term.

Opposing teams have repeatedly targeted his flank, exploiting his limited defensive contributions. This tactical weakness was evident in recent losses to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven. Wirtz, while yet to register a goal or assist, covers more ground defensively.

The London Stadium holds a difficult memory for Salah. It was the scene of a heated touchline exchange with former manager Jürgen Klopp. His return to the bench at the same ground marks a pivotal moment in his Liverpool career.

This bold move by Arne Slot represents a major gamble. Dropping Mohamed Salah is the clearest signal yet that the manager is seeking a tactical reset. The outcome of this match could define the rest of Liverpool’s season.

Thought you’d like to know-

Why was Mohamed Salah dropped for the West Ham game?

Manager Arne Slot cited fixture congestion and player rotation as the primary reasons. He stated the team has four matches in ten days and he has many good players to utilize.

How has Salah’s performance been this season?

His attacking output has declined noticeably. He is now averaging a Premier League goal or assist every 179 minutes, a significant drop from his record-breaking form last season.

What was Mohamed Salah’s previous starting record under Slot?

Salah had started every one of Arne Slot’s first 53 Premier League games in charge. This match against West Ham is the first time he has been named on the bench.

Who replaced Salah in the starting lineup?

German playmaker Florian Wirtz was called into the lineup. He offers greater defensive work rate, though he is still seeking his first league goal or assist for the club.

Is Arne Slot’s job under threat?

The manager has faced mounting pressure due to the team’s poor results. However, he has publicly stated that he retains the backing of the club’s hierarchy despite the difficult run.