Mohamed Salah reacts with sarcasm to replace Arne Slot in Liverpool draw
Mohamed Salah looked frustrated after being substituted for Arne Slot during Liverpool’s disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool put in one of their worst performances of the season against a side struggling near the foot of the table.
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In the 77th minute, Slot made his first changes of the game introducing Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha in place of Cody Gakpo and Salah.
The Egyptian player did not seem happy with this decision. As he left the pitch, Salah was seen wearing a sarcastic grin and shaking his head. Moments later, the cameras caught him on the bench clearly laughing in disbelief at the call to withdraw him while Liverpool were still searching for a winner.
Salah sorri after being replaced?#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/YFAO1P04s2
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) February 22, 2026
Salah laughing after being sent off. pic.twitter.com/bmkj2FnvKJ
— – (@AnfieldRd96) February 22, 2026
Mohamed Salah had a terrible game against Nottingham Forest
At his usual high standards, Salah struggled to make an impact. His numbers against Forest paint a poor picture:
- 0 shots
- 0 dribble
- 0 accurate crosses
- 4 unsuccessful touches
Mo Salah vs Nottingham Forest: ?
? 0 – Shots
? 0 – Dribbles
? 0 – Accurate crosses
? 4 – Unsuccessful contact
? 6.03 – WS rating pic.twitter.com/Na87CFHZz4– WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 22, 2026
Slot’s decision to replace him ultimately paid off, especially given the immediate power that Ngumoha provided. In just 14 minutes on the field, the youngster recorded:
- 11 touches
- 2/2 takeover complete (100%)
- 2 hills won
- 1 opportunity created
- 1 touch in the opposition box
Rio Ngumoha match by numbers vs Nottingham Forest:
14 minutes played
11 touches
2/2 take completed
2 hills won
1 opportunity created
1 touch in op. the box“He did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did in a game” – Carragher. ? pic.twitter.com/OctiXmxch4
– Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 22, 2026
While it was undoubtedly an off day for Salah, his world-class quality is unquestionable. Even in games where he struggles to make an impact in the proceedings, he has the ability to put together a decisive moment out of nowhere.
However, his reaction may fuel more speculation about his future. Having reportedly fallen out with Slot earlier this season, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term prospects at Anfield. The Saudi Pro League are keen to make him the face of the competition, while Al-Ittihad are believed to be in talks with his representatives.
If the friction behind the scenes continues and results fail to improve, this season could be Salah’s last chapter at Liverpool.
