Salah's landmark goal keeps Liverpool's top four hopes alive

Liverpool’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four remain alive after their 1-0 win against Brentford on Saturday. 

Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the game in the 13th minute, becoming the first Liverpool player to score in nine consecutive games at Anfield and reaching 100 career goals at the stadium. He also matched Steven Gerrard’s club tally of 186 goals. 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp praised Salah’s work ethic, saying that he is “an all-time great” who has scored 30 goals for three consecutive seasons.

Despite the win, Liverpool fans’ protests overshadowed Salah’s achievement. As “God Save the King” played, boos and jeers could be heard in the stadium, with some Liverpool supporters taking issue with the anthem and the UK government’s previous treatment of the city. 

Liverpool had announced prior to kick-off that they would play the anthem, despite acknowledging that “some supporters have strong views” on the matter.

Klopp’s team are now only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have two games in hand. Liverpool’s recent six-match winning streak has revived their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, though they remain underdogs in the race. 

Klopp emphasised the importance of maintaining their current position, saying “we have to make sure we keep the teams behind us, behind us because they are coming. Nothing is decided and that’s good.”

Liverpool’s victory was a marked contrast from their 3-1 defeat at Brentford in January. Klopp has described coaching the team as “a joy again” after their recent improvement in form. Despite Liverpool being unbeaten in their last 122 Premier League matches when leading at half-time, the second half of the game saw few clear chances for either team. 

Liverpool nervously held onto their lead, with Cody Gakpo missing a chance to secure their win.