Arne Slot clarifies surprise decision to bench Mo Salah in crucial match

December 1, 2025 Oliver Obel

Liverpool carried a tense atmosphere into London after a bruising stretch of results, but a 2–0 win over West Ham finally interrupted a historic run of poor form.

Even with the much-needed victory, the major talking point was Mo Salah beginning the match on the bench, a rare sight for a player who has long been central to Liverpool’s attack.

Liverpool entered the weekend on the back of heavy defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, results that intensified scrutiny around Arne Slot. According to Sky Sports, the manager responded by reshaping the right side of his team.

Joe Gomez returned at full back, while Dominik Szoboszlai, one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this season, was pushed into a wider attacking role.

Record signing Alexander Isak led the line again, supported by Florian Wirtz in the central playmaking role. The adjustments meant Salah and Hugo Ekitike dropped to the bench after featuring in midweek, a decision Slot knew would draw immediate questions.

Slot explains the rotation

Slot said after the match that Liverpool’s heavy fixture load made rotation unavoidable, noting that his squad has faced four games in just ten days.

He told Sky Sports that no player is immune to being rested, pointing out that Isak, Wirtz and Ekitike had all been rotated earlier in the campaign. He emphasised that the choice was not a criticism of Salah but a practical response to the schedule.

Liverpool finally break the cycle

The changes delivered the stability Liverpool needed. Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the club, settling early nerves, and Cody Gakpo added a late second to secure the victory and relieve some of the pressure surrounding the team.

Salah’s mixed season so far

Salah’s reduced role comes during a quieter league campaign by his standards. After driving Liverpool’s title push last season and earning a major new contract, he has so far contributed four goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Slot reiterated that the team’s depth means selection decisions are tougher this season and more players are competing for minutes.

The countdown to AFCON

Liverpool will also have to prepare for an extended period without Salah later this month. Egypt begin their Africa Cup of Nations preparations on December 1, with a friendly against Nigeria scheduled for December 7 before the tournament starts on December 21.

Reports in Egypt indicate that federation president Hani Abu Rida is seeking early releases for Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush. Both Premier League clubs are expected to wait for FIFA’s ruling before confirming when the players must depart.

Sources: Sky Sports, Premier League match reports, Egyptian FA statements