Chapter 749: A Challenge from Salah
October 20, 4:30 PM. Salah stood at the center circle of the Millennium Stadium, awaiting kickoff.
This was the ninth round of the Premier League, a much-anticipated showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool.
The North-West Derby has always been the Premier League's most iconic and captivating fixture.
Both teams had started the season with eight consecutive wins, topping the table, with Manchester United holding the edge due to goal difference.
This matchup not only highlighted the exceptional form of both squads but also carried immense significance.
Liverpool, in particular, had achieved 17 consecutive league victories, the second-longest streak in Premier League history, trailing only Manchester United's record of 25 straight wins from May 2017 to January 2018.
Given this backdrop, pundits widely regarded this derby as a litmus test for whether Manchester United could break records and secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
For Liverpool, this match was equally critical. Not just because of the century-old rivalry, but because a win here would deal a heavy blow to Manchester United and solidify Liverpool's bid for their first Premier League title.
Both sides approached this game with utmost seriousness.
Salah's Personal Stakes
Salah had personal reasons to prioritize this match: Bruno Fernandes.
The Egyptian winger had rushed back from an ankle injury sustained during Liverpool's 2–1 win against Leicester City on October 5. He had missed Egypt's international fixtures during the break, but despite being cleared as fit, Liverpool's medical team had advised against an immediate return to action.
However, Salah convinced Jürgen Klopp to start him for this high-stakes derby.
Playing as a right winger, Salah would often find himself near Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's attacking midfielder.
Before kickoff, the two stars had exchanged polite handshakes and casual banter in the players' tunnel. But once on the pitch, their gazes locked, brimming with competitive fire.
Though friendly off the field, Salah and Bruno were fierce adversaries here.
The two exchanged challenging stares, and the tension mirrored the century-old rivalry that defined this fixture.
The Battle Begins
"Here we go! The match is about to begin!"
"Today's referee is England's top international official, Martin Atkinson."
"During the pre-match coin toss, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes won the toss and chose the more advantageous side for the first half. Liverpool will start with possession."
"Both teams are fielding strong lineups. Liverpool welcomes the return of star goalkeeper Alisson and attacking talisman Salah, while Manchester United has Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw back from injury. Both squads are putting their best foot forward, emphasizing the importance of this clash."
"The whistle blows, and we're underway. Liverpool kicks off, with Manchester United immediately pressing high to apply pressure."
Early Exchange of Attacks
"Liverpool strings together a few passes, looking aggressive right from the start."
"Manchester United intercepts the ball and counters quickly, sending it to the left wing."
"Rashford takes the shot… oh, it's too hasty!"
"That attempt from distance was overly ambitious. Rashford needs to stay calm, especially playing at home."
"Here comes another Manchester United attack."
"João Cancelo crosses from the right."
"The ball reaches Rashford on the left… a beautiful first touch… he sends it into the box…"
"Harry Kane couldn't control it! Matip and Koulibaly closed him down effectively."
"Liverpool has been solid defensively in these opening minutes."
"Manchester United retains possession and orchestrates another attack."
"Henderson intercepts and launches a quick Liverpool counter, passing to Firmino."
"Firmino takes the ball in the box… goes for a volley… blocked by Maguire and deflected for a corner!"
"Maguire's block was perfectly timed. Liverpool gets their first corner of the game."
Set-Piece Danger
Andy Robertson placed the ball in the corner and carefully stepped back.
On the touchline, Manchester United manager José Mourinho gestured animatedly, urging his players to stay alert.
Bruno Fernandes positioned himself near the edge of the penalty area, ready to spring into action for a counterattack.
The United coaching staff had emphasized set-piece defense during their preparations. Past derbies showed that set-pieces often decided these matches, with Liverpool's Matip and Koulibaly posing significant aerial threats.
As Robertson delivered a swift corner, chaos erupted in the penalty box.
Liverpool players worked hard to shake off Manchester United's marking, while United defenders stuck to their assignments like their lives depended on it, especially against towering threats like Matip and Koulibaly.
Amid the chaos in the box, a white jersey suddenly emerged from the crowd, leaping high in the air.
Alexander-Arnold's corner kick curved perfectly toward him, and with a precise header, the ball's trajectory shifted dramatically, heading toward the left side of the goal.
From such close range and with little warning, United goalkeeper David de Gea had no time to react. He could only watch helplessly as the ball sailed into the net behind him.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLL!!!"
"The ball is in!"
"Fifth minute, and the visiting Liverpool have struck first against Manchester United. It's a header from Salah!"
"What a spectacular play! The diminutive Egyptian finds the perfect spot among the towering defenders in the box and heads it home!"
"This was Liverpool's first threatening attack of the match, and they've capitalized immediately, breaking United's defense."
"Let's take another look at the goal. Alexander-Arnold's corner caused confusion among the defenders. United's focus was locked on tall players like Matip and Koulibaly, completely overlooking Salah."
"This defensive lapse is inexcusable, though it's understandable given Salah's reputation for weaker aerial ability."
"Salah is known for his speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing, excelling in one-on-one situations or providing assists. However, his heading ability has never been a strong suit due to his height, and he rarely scores headers."
"But regardless, United's defense clearly let their guard down on this one."
The Aftermath
After scoring, Salah sprinted off the pitch, running along the edge of the Millennium Stadium, celebrating wildly. At the corner flag, he struck his signature celebration pose, basking in the cheers from thousands of traveling Liverpool fans and the congratulations of his teammates.
Bruno Fernandes, however, wiped his face in frustration.
The game had barely started—just five minutes in—and the goal was already breached. And it wasn't just any goal; it had been scored by Salah, and with a header, no less.
Bruno had once been criticized for his lack of aerial prowess, but with his height, he quickly developed into an aerial threat through relentless training. Salah, on the other hand, genuinely struggled with headers—something Bruno, as his friend, knew all too well.
Seeing Salah score such an impressive header left Bruno with mixed emotions.
Although the goal wasn't Bruno's fault—his role in this match was to spearhead counterattacks—he still felt a deep dissatisfaction.
On the sidelines, Mourinho was visibly agitated, furiously gesturing as he expressed his frustration over the conceded goal.
The "Special One" immediately made adjustments, particularly to shore up United's defense. Mourinho knew Klopp's Liverpool all too well—they thrived on momentum. If given the chance, Liverpool would press relentlessly, suffocating their opponents until they were completely overwhelmed.
Liverpool's ability to rack up big scores was well-documented. Last season alone, they scored three or more goals in 17 matches, tying with Manchester City and second only to United's 24 matches.
Liverpool's Offensive Surge
After their celebration, Salah returned to the pitch amid a chorus of cheers from Liverpool fans and deafening boos from the rest of the Millennium Stadium.
Once play resumed, Liverpool indeed attempted to build on their lead, attacking United with relentless aggression.
Salah, in particular, was electrified.
Shortly after his goal, the Egyptian received the ball on the left flank and took on three United defenders. Undeterred, he drove forward, carving out a shooting opportunity with a low strike from 26 meters.
Not long after, Firmino exploited a gap behind Luke Shaw on the right, delivering a cross into the box. Salah was there again for another header, but this time De Gea was ready, catching the ball cleanly and diffusing the threat.
Two minutes later, Salah launched another attack with a central dribble and attempted a shot from the edge of the box, only to have it deflected for a corner.
From the ensuing corner kick by Robertson, United's defense, now on high alert, successfully cleared the danger with Maguire's headed clearance.
However, Liverpool maintained possession and regrouped. Alexander-Arnold whipped in another cross from the right, and Salah attempted a volley from 12 meters, narrowly missing the target as the ball skimmed past the goal.
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