{"id":31684,"date":"2025-12-08T13:08:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T18:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/08\/amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion\/"},"modified":"2025-12-08T13:08:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T18:08:02","slug":"amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/08\/amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Amazing statistics that prove Salah is right to be scapegoated by Liverpool \u2013 Opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/08\/amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion\/#Statistics_that_prove_Mohamed_Salah_right\" >Statistics that prove Mohamed Salah right<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/08\/amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion\/#Is_it_because_of_Arne_Slots_tactics\" >Is it because of Arne Slot&#8217;s tactics?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2025\/12\/08\/amazing-statistics-that-prove-salah-is-right-to-be-scapegoated-by-liverpool-opinion\/#Is_Salah_a_planned_scapegoat\" >Is Salah a planned scapegoat?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<!-- Article Start --><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\"><strong>Tensions at Anfield reached a new high this weekend after Liverpool&#8217;s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United. Mohamed Salah sat on the bench for the third consecutive game, a decision that ultimately triggered an explosive reaction from the Egyptian king.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">In a graphic post-match interview, Salah did not hold back and insisted he was being made the scapegoat for the team&#8217;s wider struggles.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">He made it clear that his relationship with manager Arne Slott had broken down and suggested that &#8220;someone&#8221; at the club was trying to throw him under the bus.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">Pundits have been quick to criticize the 33-year-old&#8217;s form, suggesting he is fading or past his prime, but digging deeper into the data shows Salah is telling the truth. The problem isn&#8217;t him, it&#8217;s the system.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"6\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Statistics_that_prove_Mohamed_Salah_right\"><\/span>Statistics that prove Mohamed Salah right<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">While the narrative that Salah&#8217;s power is waning is convenient, the numbers tell a different story.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">Despite his limited playing time and the team&#8217;s inconsistent form, the data confirms that Salah has created the fourth-highest number of chances in the Premier League so far this season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-414x127.jpg.webp 414w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-630x193.jpg.webp 630w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-768x235.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-770x235.jpg.webp 770w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-900x275.jpg.webp 900w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-1200x367.jpg.webp 1200w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598-1536x470.jpg.webp 1536w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_215838598.jpg.webp 1782w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width:1230px) 770px, (min-width:1020px) 630px, (min-width:900px) 880px, (min-width:680px) 97vw, (min-width:414px) 414px, 100vw\"><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Most chances created so far in the Premier League have come via FotMob<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">He remains one of the most creatively expressive players in the league, even when the team is dysfunctional around him.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8\">The real problem seems to be isolation rather than decline. Further statistics from the current campaign reveal a worrying trend in Liverpool&#8217;s usage of their talisman.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"9\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"><b>30% fewer touches per game<\/b> compared to the average of the past three seasons.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"><b>The number of touches inside the opponent&#8217;s box has decreased by approximately 40%<\/b>showing that he has been left on the fringes of the game.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1648882\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1648882\" style=\"width: 1007px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166-414x220.jpg.webp 414w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166-630x335.jpg.webp 630w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166-768x409.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166-770x410.jpg.webp 770w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166-900x479.jpg.webp 900w,https:\/\/icdn.caughtoffside.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image_2025-12-08_214024166.jpg.webp 1007w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width:1230px) 770px, (min-width:1020px) 630px, (min-width:900px) 880px, (min-width:680px) 97vw, (min-width:414px) 414px, 100vw\"\/><\/picture><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1648882\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mohamed Salah&#8217;s touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes (via Sky Sports)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You don&#8217;t get &#8220;washed out&#8221; of being one of the best players in the world overnight.<\/p>\n<p>These statistics highlight a systematic failure to feed the ball to players who historically only have half the chances of punishing teams. The decline in output is a direct result of the decline in service, justifying Salah&#8217;s claim that the problem is beyond the control of individuals.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"11\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_because_of_Arne_Slots_tactics\"><\/span>Is it because of Arne Slot&#8217;s tactics?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\">If Salah is the only forward who is struggling, the argument that he is &#8216;not in form&#8217; may be unfounded.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"12\">However, under manager Arne Slott, Liverpool&#8217;s attack overall looks dull. With the exception of Dominik Szoboszlai, who continues to perform reasonably well, the expensively assembled front line is a dud.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13\">The most damning evidence against Slot&#8217;s tactical setup is the performance of his new players. The manager has at his disposal a trio that terrorizes Europe in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13\">On the contrary, Isak has registered just 14 touches in recent starts and has often looked isolated, while Wirtz has struggled to replicate his impact in the Bundesliga.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"13\">When a manager fails to get the best out of three world-class attackers at the same time, the blame must be directed at the dugout.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\">Additionally, Slott&#8217;s personnel decisions have raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\">Kodi Gakpo&#8217;s persistence in subpar performances while forcing Salah off three games in a row under the guise of &#8220;tactical reasons&#8221; or &#8220;not feeling well&#8221; suggests personal or political motives rather than sporting ones.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"15\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Salah_a_planned_scapegoat\"><\/span>Is Salah a planned scapegoat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16\">The timing and nature of Salah&#8217;s exclusion has fueled speculation that it is more than just an exercise of managerial authority. Is this a calculated move by the club&#8217;s hierarchy?<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"17\">Questions are now being asked of sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive of football Michael Edwards.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"17\">The prevailing theory is that he was intentionally used as a scapegoat to get rid of Salah, allowing the club to obtain a large transfer fee.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"17\">Liverpool are sitting on a potential financial gold mine as Saudi clubs maintain strong interest in Salah.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">The decision to give Salah a contract extension in April 2025 may have been a strategic move to protect his value rather than a commitment to his future on the pitch.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">By extending their contracts, Hughes and Edwards ensured they would not lose their biggest assets for free.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18\">Now, painting him as a &#8220;problem&#8221; and reducing his influence may be paving the way for the club to sell him for a huge profit in January, but Salah appears to have seen through that strategy in an explosive interview.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Article End -->\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tensions at Anfield reached a new high this weekend after Liverpool&#8217;s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United. Mohamed Salah sat on the bench for the third consecutive game, a decision that ultimately triggered an explosive reaction from the Egyptian king. In a graphic post-match interview, Salah did not hold back and insisted he was being [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[40],"class_list":{"0":"post-31684","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-football"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31684"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31684\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}