When Mohamed Salah was substituted off despite Liverpool needing a goal against Sheffield United, he was clearly frustrated.

Darwin Nunez had given Liverpool the lead early in the first half of Thursday’s match, and Salah, 31, was hooked shortly after Conor Bradley’s own goal drew it 1-1 two minutes before the hour. The Anfield audience gasped in shock when the Egyptian forward hobbled off after his number was called, looking dejected as teammate Harvey Elliott replaced him.

Salah accepted the hand extended by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp without even looking up at him.

The boss was not happy when Mo Salah entered the technical area and just gave him a half-handshake, according to former Premier League striker Dion Dublin, who spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In addition, Ryan Gravenberch was substituted for Andy Robertson. Liverpool needed a goal to take the lead again in the Premier League standings following Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Luton at home on Wednesday, while Manchester City destroyed Aston Villa 4-1. Nunez gave the Reds the lead at the 17-minute mark, although it was a fortuitous goal.

The Liverpool striker charged down Sheffield United goalkeeper Ivo Grbic’s effort to kick the ball up the pitch because he was taking too long with it on the edge of his own box. The ball then shot back into the net, landing behind Grbic.

But early in the second half, the Blades had their own stroke of luck when Gustavo Hamer’s header back across goal startled the home crowd by rebounding off right-back Bradley and going past Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. With thirteen minutes of normal time left, Liverpool found themselves suddenly in dire need of a goal.

The defense of Sheffield United only partially cleared Roberton’s cross, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to score with a powerful shot that soared over Grbic, giving him no chance. “Liverpool have drove forward and the fans are thinking to themselves they have got to help them over the line,” Dublin stated. “Alexis Mac Allister, laces, top corner – thank you very much.”

Cody Gakpo’s goal made it 3-1, and Anfield exploded once more as Liverpool regained their two-goal advantage at the top without need Salah.