Mohamed Salah has shaken off doubts with four goals in his last two games

In the space of four days Mohamed Salah has scored four goals to help Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and into the Champions League knockout stages.

If there was any doubt over his ability to produce last season’s heroics again, there surely isn’t anymore.

During the early stages of the season Liverpool’s ‘Egyptian King’ had not been at his best. Perhaps it was a hangover from the World Cup or the effects of Sergio Ramos still lingering in his mind but there was something missing from his game.

After a hat-trick at Bournemouth, Salah scored against Napoli to seal European progression

He had stopped the direct and lightning-quick runs at defences and resorted to coming short for the ball, making it easier to shut down his creativity. 

However, at Bournemouth last weekend, Salah was instantly back to his best.

Three goals later, two of which were pieces of individual brilliance, and Jurgen Klopp’s side had overtaken the all-conquering Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

‘Goals two and three,’ Klopp, who has had to field questions about Salah’s loss of form, said on Saturday. ‘I don’t know who would have scored these goals. That was outstanding.’

But as Salah trudged off the pitch on the south coast, bouncing the match ball before clutching it in his right arm, there was no time for celebration.

It looked as though his mind was already set on the must-win Champions League tie with Napoli 

Salah shakes off Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly before scoring the opening goal at Anfield

Liverpool’s ‘Egyptian King’ looks back to his best at a vital time in the season for the Reds

Salah had scored eight goals in eight Champions League appearances at Anfield going into the game and once again proved to be the difference when it mattered most.

On 34 minutes, Salah gave the hosts the lead with a goal Reds fans have become so accustomed to seeing. He first shrugged off and left full-back Mario Rui in a heap on the floor before darting into the penalty area.

As Kalidou Koulibaly, who impressed all evening for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, gambled that Salah would chop back onto his trusty left foot, he went outside on his right and fired a shot through goalkeeper David Ospina at the near post.

There was a muted celebration from Salah but Anfield erupted as Liverpool moved a vital step closer to overhauling the Italians in second place of Group C.

If not for some wasteful finishing in the second half, Liverpool should have been out of sight. Salah laid two chances on a plate for Sadio Mane but he missed where his team-mate previously had not. Liverpool held on and will now be one to avoid for Europe’s elite in Monday’s draw. 

Salah has now scored nine goals in nine Champions League appearances at Anfield

Manager Jurgen Klopp embraces Salah as his goal sent them through to the knockout stages

The numbers are also there to highlight Salah’s deadly influence on his team. Tuesday night’s winner means he has now been involved in a staggering 78 goals in 75 games for Liverpool since joining from Roma last summer.

He has also been involved in 48 goals in 38 games in all competitions at Anfield and has scored nine goals in nine home appearances in the Champions League. A record only beaten by Steven Gerrard.

That is a promising statistic given the next opponents to come to Merseyside are Manchester United on Sunday. It will be another test of Liverpool’s title credentials as they look to cement their place at the summit of English football.

With Salah now back in something like last season’s groove, and a defence that has conceded just six Premier League goals all season, Liverpool look like they are hitting top gear just at the right time.