Arne Slot takes an unprecedented step at Liverpool that may have ruffled one star

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Arne Slot was not afraid to make a tough call against West Ham, and it paid off.

The Reds had lost nine of their previous 12 matches before picking up a much-needed win over the Hammers.

Slot was under pressure heading into the game, but the result and his successful changes will ease some of that burden.

The Dutchman took a specific decision for the first time since he arrived at Anfield, and while it might not sit well with everyone, it is hard to argue with the outcome.

Mohamed Salah remained on the bench for the first time under Arne Slot

One of the biggest talking points heading into the match was whether Slot would take Mohamed Salah out of the starting XI, a decision fans had been debating for weeks.

Salah has not looked himself this season, managing just four league goals so far. That form has led to increasing calls from supporters for him to be given a break.

Slot responded by shifting Dominik Szoboszlai over to the right and giving Florian Wirtz another run in his preferred number 10 role.

But what stood out even more was that Salah stayed on the bench for all 90 minutes. It was the first time under the Dutchman that he did not feature at all.

It is a clear message that his place is no longer guaranteed.

The long-term implications remain unclear, but it is another sign that Salah’s influence at Anfield is not what it once was as he moves into the final stages of his career with the club.

Arne Slot explains decision to keep Mohamed Salah on the bench

Szoboszlai was once again one of Liverpool’s standout performers, which made it even easier to leave Salah out.

The schedule is about to get busy with December approaching, and Slot said that was also a factor in giving Salah a rest.

He explained after the match, via BBC Sport: “In 10 days we played four and these players are such quality players.

“Mo has been so important for the club and will be so important for the club so let’s see what happens on Wednesday [against Sunderland].”