Matthew Upson praised Mo Salah after the amazing assist that gave Liverpool the lead over Chelsea in their first Premier League game on Sunday.
After Luis Diaz put Jurgen Klopp’s side ahead at Stamford Bridge, Upson spoke to BBC Radio Five Live. The Colombian delivered a spectacular finale. However, it was overshadowed by the buildup.
Alexis MacAllister’s superb long-range ball found Mo Salah on the right flank. And then the Egyptian sent a pinpoint pass through the Chelsea defense into Diaz’s path.
It was a flawless pass towards the penalty spot. And Diaz took advantage of the opportunity, sneaking in to defeat Robert Sanchez.
Diaz should be credited with the goal. However, according to Upson, Salah’s assist was the key moment in an incredible move for the visitors against Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Salah praised after superb assist for Liverpool
“Wow, that’s all power football to me.” “It’s direct and precise,” he said on BBC Radio Five Live.
“Salah’s pass is exquisite; he has a channel of about a metre through which he can thread it diagonally between Silva and Disasi.”
“Any kind of contact from Diaz, and it goes in, which he duly adds.”
Salah was unlucky not to extend the lead soon after. The 31-year-old finished well to find the back of the goal. Replays revealed, however, that Salah had gone somewhat early and was slightly offside.
Chelsea clearly climbed into the game, which may worry Jurgen Klopp. However, Liverpool threatened to demonstrate a high level of excellence in the final third. It’s a tantalizing taste of what the Reds could achieve this season with their incredible assortment of offensive potential.
Salah would not score before leaving the field. And he didn’t seem pleased with the choice to replace him in the final 15 minutes. But Liverpool will cause so many headaches for opposing teams this season.
And when it clicks for the Reds, it will be utterly thrilling.
