Liverpool produced one of the worst performances of the season against a side fighting at the foot of the table.
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In the 77th minute, Slot made his first changes of the match, introducing Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha in place of Cody Gakpo and Salah.
The Egyptian striker seemed unhappy with the decision. As he left the pitch, Salah was seen grinning sarcasticly and shaking his head. Moments later, cameras caught him on the bench laughing in apparent disbelief at the call for him to be withdrawn, with Liverpool still searching for a winner.
Salah smiles after being substituted?#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/YFAO1P04s2
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) February 22, 2026
Salah smiles after being eliminated. pic.twitter.com/bmkj2FnvKJ
— – (@AnfieldRd96) February 22, 2026
Mohamed Salah had a bad game against Nottingham Forest
By his usual high standards, Salah struggled to impress. His figures against Forest painted a subdued picture:
- 0 shots
- 0 dribbles
- 0 accurate crosses
- 4 failed touches
Mo Salah vs Nottingham Forest: ?
? 0 – Shots
? 0 – Dribbles
? 0 – Accurate crosses
? 4 – Failed touches
? 6.03 – WS assessment pic.twitter.com/Na87CFHZz4— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 22, 2026
Slot’s decision to replace him ultimately proved justified, especially given the immediate energy Ngumoha provided. In just 14 minutes on the pitch, the youngster noted:
- 11 touches
- 2/2 acquisitions completed (100%)
- Won 2 matches
- 1 chance created
- 1 touch in the opposition box
Rio Ngumoha’s match in numbers against Nottingham Forest:
14 minutes played
11 touches
2/2 take-ons completed
Won 2 matches
1 chance created
1 touch in area. box“He did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did in the entire match” – Carragher. ? pic.twitter.com/OctiXmxch4
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 22, 2026
While it was undeniably a bad day for Salah, his world-class quality remains undisputed. Even in matches where he struggles to influence the course of the match, he has the ability to conjure a decisive moment out of nowhere.
However, his response is likely to fuel further speculation about his future. After reportedly falling out with Slot earlier this season, uncertainty remains over his long-term prospects at Anfield. The Saudi Pro League is keen to make him the face of the competition, and Al-Ittihad is said to be in talks with its representatives.
If tensions continue behind the scenes and results do not improve, this season could prove to be Salah’s final chapter at Liverpool.
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