Mohamed Salah's change of boots fires Liverpool to impressive victory over Newcastle

A change of boots brought a change of fortunes for Mohamed Salah on Monday night after the Egyptian star recovered from missing a penalty to fire Liverpool to a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United.

Salah had the chance to put Liverpool ahead in the 22nd minute but saw his penalty well saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. He soon shrugged off the disappointment, though, and after changing his boots at halftime, Salah broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half.

Alexander Isak soon equalised for Newcastle but two quickfire goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo in the 74th and 78th minutes saw Liverpool convert their dominance into a comfortable lead.

Sven Botman pulled a goal back for Newcastle with a thumping header from a corner, but Salah made sure of the victory with his second visit to the penalty spot. This time, the Egyptian made no mistake, slotting into the bottom corner for his 14th league goal of the season.

"We should not be really surprised that Mo can change a game, can improve in the game, because he did it hundreds of times," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said after his side opened a three-point lead at the top of the table.

"But it's just a really good example. The more goals you have, the more you're used to missing chances and the more you just understand what you have to do keep going and if necessary keep improving, using the situations better, and that's what Mo did."

Salah, who will join up with Egypt for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign this month, is now joint-top goalscorer in the league with Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

"It's not superstitious because I play with many boots. But when I feel it's going to play with my head, OK, out, change the boots," Salah said.

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