Garth Crooks says Liverpool star’s Saturday display was the best he’d seen from him in a while

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Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been praised by BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks, who says his display last Saturday was the best he’d seen from him in a while.

Jurgen Klopp’s side hosted Newcastle at Anfield, knowing victory would’ve seen the Reds move into the top four for the time being at least.

Things began well for Liverpool as Salah expertly swivelled and fired inside Martin Dubravka’s near post to put the Reds ahead after just three minutes.

Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane all had opportunities to double the Reds’ lead, but half time arrived with the hosts just one goal up.

A dramatic last few minutes of the game saw Callum Wilson bundle home, only for VAR to disallow the goal as the ball inadvertently hit his arm before he scored.

However, Newcastle didn’t let their heads drop and, with virtually the last kick of the game, Joe Willock popped up to score with a deflected effort.

Crooks named Salah in his latest Premier League Team of the Week and, while he praised the Egypt international, he acknowledged Liverpool were incredibly wasteful.

“Twenty league goals in the three of the last four seasons says it all really,” wrote Crooks. “Not since Ian Rush has a Liverpool player been so prolific.

“The turn and finish from Mohamed Salah against a Newcastle side, who looked committed to self-destruction at times, was the best I’ve seen from the Egypt international in a while.

“Quite what’s happened to Liverpool’s ability to finish is a mystery to me. I’ve never seen so many chances go begging as I did against Newcastle.

“However, it would have been a terrible injustice if Newcastle had not come away with a point after Callum Wilson’s goal was disallowed.

“The only thing VAR has highlighted since its involvement in the game is the total inability of those who use it.”

Up next for Liverpool is Sunday’s trip to Manchester United in the Premier League.