TalkSPORT pundit confuses Liverpool star ‘so slow’ against Everton
Ray Houghton came on for Mohamed Salah against Everton before the Liverpool striker secured a 2-0 Merseyside derby win for Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday.
The 31-year-old came off the bench in the 75th minute to lead Liverpool into action at home to Everton. His second goal followed in stoppage time when Salah swept another shot past Jordan Pickford. The Egyptian has seven goals in nine Premier League games this season.
Referee Craig Pawson awarded Liverpool a penalty in front of the Kop late in the second half after Michael Keane handled the ball. Salah flashed with confidence from 12 yards to break the deadlock. It was an otherwise frustrating time for the Anfield side against 10 men.
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah scores a goal in the Premier League Merseyside derby at Everton
Houghton “never seen Salah play so badly at Liverpool”
Liverpool held a one-man lead during the second half when Pawson sent off Ashley Young. The right-back received two yellow cards in the first half for fouls on Luis Diaz. However, it took Keane’s handling of the ball for Liverpool to win after struggling for. Houghton was surprised at how poorly Salah performed even before their penalty. He tore through the Reds’ dock moments before Pawson pointed to the spot. Salah later settled the Merseyside derby as Liverpool beat Everton on the counter-attack in stoppage time.
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah scores a goal in the Premier League Merseyside derby at Everton
“Salah had such a bad game, it’s unbelievable,” Houghton said on talkSPORT (21/10/13:58). – I have never seen him play so badly at Liverpool. I would never rule out a player who can win a game but he is so far off the pace.”
Hughton was honest in his criticism of Salah’s Merseyside derby display
Despite Salah scoring twice later in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Everton, Houghton was fair in his criticism of his performance. The £350,000-a-week star has fallen far short of the extremely high standards he set before their punishment. But Salah was confident when it mattered most.
Salah also narrowly broke the deadlock early in the second half, but Jarrad Branthwaite’s slide was covered by James Tarkowski. The Everton defender was alert to block the Egyptian’s shot on the line. And with Salah scoring when it counted, the rest could finally be forgiven.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will also consider the Merseyside derby, which kicks off at 12.30pm after the international break. But Houghton was fair to criticize Salah at the time. Despite his performances so far in the campaign, it hasn’t been the winger’s best day.