Liverpool’s final day ends in draw as Salah bids farewell with assist

As the final whistle blew at Anfield, Mohamed Salah’s emotional farewell was sealed with more than just a tearful embrace. The Egyptian forward, who departs Liverpool after nearly seven years, delivered a sublime assist that etched his name into Reds folklore one last time. Despite a 1-1 draw against Brentford, his contribution ensured Liverpool clinched a top-five finish, securing their place in next season’s Champions League.

Salah’s masterclass overshadowed by near-miss

Salah, 33, started on the right wing—a position he has made his own since arriving from Roma in 2017. Though he came agonisingly close with a free-kick that rattled the post, his 93rd assist for Liverpool—crafted with a perfectly weighted cross—set up Curtis Jones for the opener before the hour mark. Brentford equalised through Kevin Schade’s close-range header, but it was Salah’s legacy that stole the spotlight.

The 8/10 rating he earned reflected his influence, even if his individual brilliance couldn’t salvage a clean sheet. His parting gift? Surpassing Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s all-time top assist provider in the Premier League.

Defenders and goalkeeper under scrutiny

  • Alisson Becker (6/10): Made a crucial save early in the second half but was helpless against the late equaliser.
  • Curtis Jones (7/10): Adapted seamlessly to right-back, driving Liverpool’s best attacks and scoring from Salah’s inch-perfect cross. A reminder of his value as the window nears.
  • Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Solid in the air but careless with a yellow-card-worthy challenge. His contract situation casts a shadow over his future.
  • Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Dominant in defence but frustrated by another unkept clean sheet.
  • Andy Robertson (6/10): Earned a standing ovation in his final Anfield appearance. Though beaten by Schade’s header, his leadership was undeniable.

Midfielders shine amid growing uncertainty

  • Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of Liverpool’s most energetic performers, nearly scoring with a fierce long-range effort.
  • Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Worked hard but lacked end product, compounding his frustration with a reckless late tackle.
  • Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): The season’s standout player? His pinpoint cross for Gakpo deserved a goal, and his composure kept Liverpool’s attack alive.

Attacking trio leaves room for optimism

  • Mohamed Salah (8/10): His final act was one of near-perfection. The missed free-kick stung, but his assist for Jones cemented his legend.
  • Cody Gakpo (6/10): Linked play well, setting up Salah for the opener, though his headed chance was blocked.
  • Rio Ngumoha (7/10): The teenager’s volley narrowly missed, showcasing his potential as a future starter.

Substitutes and manager’s decisions

  • Florian Wirtz (6/10): Showed flashes of quality after replacing Ngumoha, denied a winner by a brilliant Kelleher save.
  • Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Ineffective after coming on for Salah late in the game.
  • Arne Slot (5/10): Resisted benching Salah amid criticism and was rewarded with an assist. Defensive chaos, however, remains his summer priority.

The draw against Brentford may have lacked drama, but Liverpool’s season ended on a bittersweet note—with Salah’s legacy shining brighter than the final score.