Liverpool needed a goal against Sheffield United, but Mohamed Salah was substituted off. Salah’s displeasure was obvious.

After Darwin Nunez gave Liverpool an early lead in the first half on Thursday, Salah, 31, was hooked shortly after Conor Bradley’s own goal tied it 1-1 two minutes before the hour. The Anfield fans watched in horror as the Egyptian forward hobbled off when his number was called, and teammate Harvey Elliott came in to replace him. He looked terrible.

Jurgen Klopp, manager of the Reds, extended a hand to Salah, who did as asked without even looking at Klopp.

“Mo Salah went into the technical area and had a half-handshake with the manager – he was not happy,” clarified former Premier League striker Dion Dublin on BBC Radio 5 Live.

In addition to bringing on Ryan Gravenberch for Andy Robertson, Liverpool needed a goal to reclaim top spot in the Premier League standings following Wednesday’s 2-0 home victory for Arsenal over Luton and Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa. It was a fortunate goal, but on 17 minutes, Nunez had given the Reds the perfect start.

While Sheffield United’s Ivo Grbic was idling with the ball on the outskirts of his own penalty area, the Liverpool striker sprinted up the field to block his attempted kick. At that point, the ball sailed past Grbic and into the net.

Early in the second half, the Blades had a stroke of luck of their own when Gustavo Hamer’s header sailed across goal, ricocheted off right-back Bradley, and beat Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, shocking the home crowd. With thirteen minutes of the regular time remaining, Liverpool’s desperation for a goal was abruptly satiated.

Alexis Mac Allister was given a free header as Sheffield United’s defense failed to fully clear Roberton’s cross. Mac Allister’s thunderous strike went past Grbic, who was helpless to stop it. “Liverpool have drove forward and the fans are thinking to themselves they have got to help them over the line,” said Dublin. “Alexis Mac Allister, laces, top corner – thank you very much.”

Cody Gakpo scored the third goal, setting Anfield alight once more as Liverpool regained a two-goal lead at the top of the table—this time without relying on Salah.

However, Klopp said that the 31-year-old Egyptian superstar, who scored the game-winning goal in Sunday’s 2-1 triumph over Brighton, is in full fitness.

It is perfectly acceptable since just think of the staggering amounts that would have resulted had Mo completed all of the scenarios throughout his career. I am happy with everything because being composed in the last, crucial minute when you have to complete the finest opportunity we had—the best football situation we played—makes a real striker. We need to keep progressing now that he may play 90 minutes or more.

On Thursday, however, it was just 90 degrees.