Mohamed Salah has not enjoyed the same prolific season that saw him spearhead Liverpool’s title charge last season, and while he is not immune from criticism, there is a counterpoint.

The disbelieving laugh in reaction to his substitution at Nottingham Forest was almost the story destined to grace the headlines on Monday, only for a late winner to cast eyes elsewhere.

Salah could have few complaints about Arne Slot withdrawing him after 77 minutes, having managed zero shots, zero duels won, zero dribbles attempted, and only one chance creation.

His opposite winger, Cody Gakpo, did not fare any better and was duly hooked, with Rio Ngumoha adding the spark and desire to run at his full-back that the duo lacked.

For Salah, it extended his run in the Premier League without a goal to nine games, with his last coming before he left for AFCON in the win over Aston Villa at the start of November.

It is a significant juxtaposition to the campaign he enjoyed last year, which saw him play his way to a new two-year contract that is now not expected to be seen out.

Mo Salah cannot avoid criticism when he is on the...