Mohamed Salah set up a goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win against Brighton on Saturday as he returned to action after an explosive outburst cast doubt over his future at the Premier League champions. The Egypt forward, the subject of intense scrutiny in the build-up to the game at Anfield, came off the substitutes' bench to huge cheers in the 26th minute, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez.&nbsp;The home team, whose title defence has collapsed after a shocking run of results, were leading 1-0 at the time, with France forward Hugo Ekitike&nbsp;on the scoresheet after just 46 seconds.&nbsp;Brighton squandered a number of opportunities to level and Ekitike scored his second with half an hour to go, heading home Salah's corner.&nbsp;The Egyptian superstar now has 277 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League -- 188 goals and 89 assists -- a new record by a player for a single club in the competition, overtaking Wayne Rooney's mark for Manchester United.&nbsp;"Mohamed is a great, great professional," Ekitike told the BBC. "I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists.&nbsp;"He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That's the kind of player who makes us like to watch football."&nbsp;Saturday marked a dramatic change of mood for Salah, who last week accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" after he was left on the bench for the 3-3 draw at Leeds -- the third match in a row that he had been named among the replacements.&nbsp;The 33-year-old winger also said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot in his extraordinary outburst and was omitted from the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan, which Liverpool won 1-0.&nbsp;Slot said at his pre-match press conference that he would hold talks with Salah and there was feverish speculation in the build-up to Saturday's match about what role the Egyptian would play.&nbsp;Liverpool made a lightning start, taking the lead in the first minute when Joe Gomez set up Ekitike, who thumped the ball past Bart Verbruggen.&nbsp;Brighton's Diego Gomez squandered a good chance and Brajan Gruda went close as the home crowd chanted Salah's name.&nbsp;Liverpool doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Ekitike headed home Salah's corner.The Egyptian himself went close in stoppage time after he was set up by Federico Chiesa but he blazed over.&nbsp;He was embraced by teammates at the final whistle and was applauded by fans.The win -- Liverpool's first at Anfield since November 4 -- lifts Slot's men to sixth in the table, easing the pressure on the beleaguered coach.<h2>Salah departure&nbsp;</h2>Salah,&nbsp;who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool in April, will now depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.&nbsp;The length of his absence depends on how far Egypt go in the competition in Morocco, with the final on January 18.&nbsp;The forward, who has been linked with a move to the wealthy Saudi Pro League, had invited his family to the Brighton game as speculation swirled over his future.&nbsp;"I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup," he told reporters last week. "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there."&nbsp;Salah, third in Liverpool's all-time scoring charts with 250 goals, has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League crown during his spell on Merseyside.&nbsp;He scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool romped to a 20th English league title, but has managed just four league goals this season.<h2>Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton</h2>Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insisted his side were a better team for having Cole Palmer back after the forward scored on his first Stamford Bridge start in almost four months as the Blues beat Everton 2-0 to move back into the Premier League's top four."We said many times with Cole (Palmer) we are a better team," Maresca told the BBC.&nbsp;"Unfortunately he was out for many games for us, but now he's back and for sure he will help us."&nbsp;The injury-plagued attacking midfielder missed Chelsea's loss away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday as part of his recovery from a two-month spell on the sidelines.&nbsp;Palmer was initially troubled by a groin problem and then fractured his toe after stubbing it on a door at home.&nbsp;The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend's goalless draw at Bournemouth.&nbsp;The England international broke the deadlock against Everton in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;Malo Gusto played in Palmer&nbsp;with a fine pass and he beat fellow England international Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper's near post.&nbsp;Everton dominated possession, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving well from Jack Grealish.&nbsp;All of Everton's pressure failed to yield an equaliser and Chelsea, against the run of play, doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time when a counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cut-back from Pedro Neto.&nbsp;Everton, eighth in the table despite this loss, had a chance to make it 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz curled in a cross to the back post only for the unmarked Grealish to divert the ball well wide.&nbsp;Chelsea almost added a third when Reece James's quick free-kick was only just tipped over the bar by Pickford.&nbsp;Everton nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye burst into the box only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post.&nbsp;"The game is never finished," said Maresca. "We had many chances, we missed. But overall I'm happy with the clean sheet and the performance."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool in April, will now depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Salah set up a goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win against Brighton on Saturday as he returned to action after an explosive outburst cast doubt over his future at the Premier League champions. The Egypt forward, the subject of intense scrutiny in the build-up to the game at Anfield, came off the substitutes' bench to huge cheers in the 26th minute, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez. The home team, whose title defence has collapsed after a shocking run of results, were leading 1-0 at the time, with France forward Hugo Ekitike on the scoresheet after just 46 seconds. Brighton squandered a number of opportunities to level and Ekitike scored his second with half an hour to go, heading home Salah's corner. The Egyptian superstar now has 277 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League -- 188 goals and 89 assists -- a new record by a player for a single club in the competition, overtaking Wayne Rooney's mark for Manchester United. "Mohamed is a great, great professional," Ekitike told the BBC. "I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists. "He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That's the kind of player who makes us like to watch football." Saturday marked a dramatic change of mood for Salah, who last week accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" after he was left on the bench for the 3-3 draw at Leeds -- the third match in a row that he had been named among the replacements. The 33-year-old winger also said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot in his extraordinary outburst and was omitted from the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan, which Liverpool won 1-0. Slot said at his pre-match press conference that he would hold talks with Salah and there was feverish speculation in the build-up to Saturday's match about what role the Egyptian would play. Liverpool made a lightning start, taking the lead in the first minute when Joe Gomez set up Ekitike, who thumped the ball past Bart Verbruggen. Brighton's Diego Gomez squandered a good chance and Brajan Gruda went close as the home crowd chanted Salah's name. Liverpool doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Ekitike headed home Salah's corner. The Egyptian himself went close in stoppage time after he was set up by Federico Chiesa but he blazed over. He was embraced by teammates at the final whistle and was applauded by fans. The win -- Liverpool's first at Anfield since November 4 -- lifts Slot's men to sixth in the table, easing the pressure on the beleaguered coach. Salah departure Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool in April, will now depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. The length of his absence depends on how far Egypt go in the competition in Morocco, with the final on January 18. The forward, who has been linked with a move to the wealthy Saudi Pro League, had invited his family to the Brighton game as speculation swirled over his future. "I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup," he told reporters last week. "I don't know what is going to happen when I am there." Salah, third in Liverpool's all-time scoring charts with 250 goals, has won two Premier League titles and one Champions League crown during his spell on Merseyside. He scored 29 Premier League goals last season as Liverpool romped to a 20th English league title, but has managed just four league goals this season. Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insisted his side were a better team for having Cole Palmer back after the forward scored on his first Stamford Bridge start in almost four months as the Blues beat Everton 2-0 to move back into the Premier League's top four. "We said many times with Cole (Palmer) we are a better team," Maresca told the BBC. "Unfortunately he was out for many games for us, but now he's back and for sure he will help us." The injury-plagued attacking midfielder missed Chelsea's loss away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday as part of his recovery from a two-month spell on the sidelines. Palmer was initially troubled by a groin problem and then fractured his toe after stubbing it on a door at home. The 23-year-old made his first start for the Blues since September in last weekend's goalless draw at Bournemouth. The England international broke the deadlock against Everton in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge. Malo Gusto played in Palmer with a fine pass and he beat fellow England international Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper's near post. Everton dominated possession, with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saving well from Jack Grealish. All of Everton's pressure failed to yield an equaliser and Chelsea, against the run of play, doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time when a counter-attack ended with Gusto turning in a cut-back from Pedro Neto. Everton, eighth in the table despite this loss, had a chance to make it 2-1 when Carlos Alcaraz curled in a cross to the back post only for the unmarked Grealish to divert the ball well wide. Chelsea almost added a third when Reece James's quick free-kick was only just tipped over the bar by Pickford. Everton nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Iliman Ndiaye burst into the box only for his shot to bounce off the inside of the post. "The game is never finished," said Maresca. "We had many chances, we missed. But overall I'm happy with the clean sheet and the performance." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Salah,&nbsp;who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool in April, will now depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Premier League: Salah sets up goal on return as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0; Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer scored four goals, including a hat-trick in the first 30 minutes, as his side hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday to maintain their push for a European spot and leave the visitors still hovering above the relegation zone.

The 21-year-old Palmer underlined his England credentials with a classic left foot, header, right foot treble and then added a second-half penalty as Chelsea ran riot.

Nicolas Jackson and substitute Alfie Gilchrist were also on target as Chelsea remain ninth on 47 points but with games in hand on all the teams above them.

"When we signed him (Palmer) he was a great talent," Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said. "He is doing fantastic, he is doing really well and he has adapted himself. The impact on the team was amazing from day one."

It was a sobering night for Sean Dyche's visitors, however, as the heavy defeat leaves Everton 16th on 27 points, two places and two points above the relegation zone.

"A horrid night, miles away from where we want to be," said Dyche. "The hard yards, simple tackling, basic principles - all out the window and it was a massive reminder of where we are."

Everton actually had the first good chance but Beto blasted over from point-blank range after 10 minutes and it was downhill from then on.

Palmer got things moving after 13 minutes when he nutmegged Jarrad Branthwaite, played a one-two with Jackson and instantly clipped in a shot from the edge of the box.

Five minutes later more intricate passing – albeit alongside tentative Everton defending – set up the second as Jordan Pickford parried a Jackson shot straight to Palmer, who nodded the ball into the empty net.

Pickford also handed Palmer his third goal as the midfielder intercepted a poor clearance 30 metres out and, with his weaker right foot, chipped brilliantly over the retreating keeper after 29 minutes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breaking-ipl-2024-sunrisers-hyderabad-breaks-all-records-hit-highest-team-total-against-rcb-711604">IPL 2024: SunRisers Hyderabad smash own record, pile up highest team total in IPL against RCB in Bengaluru</a>

<h2>Chelsea Squabble</h2>

Jackson made it 4-0 just before the break and Palmer’s fourth came from the penalty spot in the 64th minute but only after captain Conor Gallagher had to intervene to shove away Jackson and Noni Madueke as they squabbled for the ball after the latter was brought down in the box.

The calmly-taken penalty took Palmer alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland at the top of the league scoring charts with 20 and his tally in all competitions to 23 as he became the first Chelsea player to reach 20 since Eden Hazard in 2018/19.

Pochettino was furious about the penalty taking incident that preceded it, though, apologising for the "bad image" it sent around the world. "I made it clear that I won't accept this again - I promise that," he said.

Young substitute Gilchrist smashed home the sixth goal in the final minute to leave the Chelsea fans dreaming of Europe, and while it might not be a return to the Champions League they won in 2021, it would still represent progress after they looked marooned in mid-table two months ago.

Everton, in contrast, remain in dire danger of a first relegation since 1951 and face a massive home showdown with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday having seen their goal difference, as well as their confidence, take a hammering.

"We underperformed - the most embarrassed I have felt as an individual," said centre back James Tarkowski.

"It shows where we are at today, we can only apologise to the fans who supported us. It is on the players. It is not on the manager and the staff. No excuses on our behalf. We need to brush ourselves down as we have a big few weeks coming up."

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer scored four goals, including a hat-trick in the first 30 minutes, as his side hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday to maintain their push for a European spot and leave the visitors still hovering above the relegation zone.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer scored four goals, including a hat-trick in the first 30 minutes, as his side hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday to maintain their push for a European spot and leave the visitors still hovering above the relegation zone. The 21-year-old Palmer underlined his England credentials with a classic left foot, header, right foot treble and then added a second-half penalty as Chelsea ran riot. Nicolas Jackson and substitute Alfie Gilchrist were also on target as Chelsea remain ninth on 47 points but with games in hand on all the teams above them. "When we signed him (Palmer) he was a great talent," Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said. "He is doing fantastic, he is doing really well and he has adapted himself. The impact on the team was amazing from day one." It was a sobering night for Sean Dyche's visitors, however, as the heavy defeat leaves Everton 16th on 27 points, two places and two points above the relegation zone. "A horrid night, miles away from where we want to be," said Dyche. "The hard yards, simple tackling, basic principles - all out the window and it was a massive reminder of where we are." Everton actually had the first good chance but Beto blasted over from point-blank range after 10 minutes and it was downhill from then on. Palmer got things moving after 13 minutes when he nutmegged Jarrad Branthwaite, played a one-two with Jackson and instantly clipped in a shot from the edge of the box. Five minutes later more intricate passing – albeit alongside tentative Everton defending – set up the second as Jordan Pickford parried a Jackson shot straight to Palmer, who nodded the ball into the empty net. Pickford also handed Palmer his third goal as the midfielder intercepted a poor clearance 30 metres out and, with his weaker right foot, chipped brilliantly over the retreating keeper after 29 minutes. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: SunRisers Hyderabad smash own record, pile up highest team total in IPL against RCB in Bengaluru Chelsea Squabble Jackson made it 4-0 just before the break and Palmer’s fourth came from the penalty spot in the 64th minute but only after captain Conor Gallagher had to intervene to shove away Jackson and Noni Madueke as they squabbled for the ball after the latter was brought down in the box. The calmly-taken penalty took Palmer alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland at the top of the league scoring charts with 20 and his tally in all competitions to 23 as he became the first Chelsea player to reach 20 since Eden Hazard in 2018/19. Pochettino was furious about the penalty taking incident that preceded it, though, apologising for the "bad image" it sent around the world. "I made it clear that I won't accept this again - I promise that," he said. Young substitute Gilchrist smashed home the sixth goal in the final minute to leave the Chelsea fans dreaming of Europe, and while it might not be a return to the Champions League they won in 2021, it would still represent progress after they looked marooned in mid-table two months ago. Everton, in contrast, remain in dire danger of a first relegation since 1951 and face a massive home showdown with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday having seen their goal difference, as well as their confidence, take a hammering. "We underperformed - the most embarrassed I have felt as an individual," said centre back James Tarkowski. "It shows where we are at today, we can only apologise to the fans who supported us. It is on the players. It is not on the manager and the staff. No excuses on our behalf. We need to brush ourselves down as we have a big few weeks coming up."

Premier League: Perfect Cole Palmer hits four as Chelsea thrash woeful Everton 6-0

Chelsea&nbsp;strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Premier League as Kai Havertz inspired a vital 2-0 win over Everton, while West Ham boosted their surprise top-four challenge with a 2-0 victory against Leeds on Monday.

Havertz has endured a disappointing first season following his £70 million ($96 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen last year.

But Germany forward was given a rare start by&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;boss Thomas Tuchel and he responded by playing the key role in both goals at Stamford Bridge.

Havertz's shot was deflected into the Everton net for a Ben Godfrey own goal in the first half.

The 21-year-old has not scored in the league since October, but Tuchel entrusted him with an important role as&nbsp;Chelsea's false nine and Havertz's intelligent movement put him in a position to earn the second-half penalty that Jorginho converted.

"I'm very happy with his performance, no doubt about his quality, his talent and also his character," Tuchel said.

"He needs to adapt to the Premier League, he needs to be at a club where you play to win every game, where the highest standards are normal.

"That's a normal process for him to adapt to this mentality."

Chelsea&nbsp;are unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions -- winning eight times --- since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January.

They are two points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham, who have a game in hand in a tense race to qualify for next season's Champions League via a top-four finish.

The Blues have kept nine clean-sheets under Tuchel and only their former Italian boss Maurizio Sarri, who went 12 games unbeaten, has enjoyed a better start with the west London club.

"If you share special moments and good results, this is the thing that lifts you up to the special performances you need," Tuchel said.

"I can feel a strong bond between the players in the dressing room. I feel positive energy from everyone around the team. We need this to have a run like this."

Sixth-placed Everton are four points behind&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;after their first away defeat since November.

"They played better than us," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "Once they scored it was more difficult. We are disappointed, but not too much."

West Ham's unexpected bid to finish in the top four gathered pace with a confident dismantling of Leeds at the London Stadium.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa might have known it wasn't going to be his night when his side had two early goals disallowed.

Tyler Roberts' effort was ruled out for offside against Helder Costa before Patrick Bamford netted from Raphinha's cut-back, only for replays to show the ball had gone over the touchline before the cross.

West Ham took the lead in the 21st minute after Luke Ayling tripped Jesse Lingard in the area.

Lingard took the penalty and although Illan Meslier saved his shot, the on-loan Manchester United midfielder snapped up the rebound.

West Ham doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Craig Dawson was left unmarked to head in Aaron Cresswell's corner.

David Moyes' side were battling relegation at this stage of last season.

But they have won four of their last six league games to leave Hammers fans dreaming of a place in Europe's elite club competition.

"We are doing really well and having a good season. It could be a great season," Moyes said.&nbsp;

"I'm not saying we will finish in the top four but we need to hang in and see what we can do."

Chelsea strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Premier League as Kai Havertz inspired a vital 2-0 win over Everton, while West Ham boosted their surprise top-four challenge with a 2-0 victory against Leeds on Monday.

Chelsea strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Premier League as Kai Havertz inspired a vital 2-0 win over Everton, while West Ham boosted their surprise top-four challenge with a 2-0 victory against Leeds on Monday. Havertz has endured a disappointing first season following his £70 million ($96 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen last year. But Germany forward was given a rare start by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and he responded by playing the key role in both goals at Stamford Bridge. Havertz's shot was deflected into the Everton net for a Ben Godfrey own goal in the first half. The 21-year-old has not scored in the league since October, but Tuchel entrusted him with an important role as Chelsea's false nine and Havertz's intelligent movement put him in a position to earn the second-half penalty that Jorginho converted. "I'm very happy with his performance, no doubt about his quality, his talent and also his character," Tuchel said. "He needs to adapt to the Premier League, he needs to be at a club where you play to win every game, where the highest standards are normal. "That's a normal process for him to adapt to this mentality." Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions -- winning eight times --- since Tuchel replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January. They are two points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham, who have a game in hand in a tense race to qualify for next season's Champions League via a top-four finish. The Blues have kept nine clean-sheets under Tuchel and only their former Italian boss Maurizio Sarri, who went 12 games unbeaten, has enjoyed a better start with the west London club. "If you share special moments and good results, this is the thing that lifts you up to the special performances you need," Tuchel said. "I can feel a strong bond between the players in the dressing room. I feel positive energy from everyone around the team. We need this to have a run like this." Sixth-placed Everton are four points behind Chelsea after their first away defeat since November. "They played better than us," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "Once they scored it was more difficult. We are disappointed, but not too much." West Ham's unexpected bid to finish in the top four gathered pace with a confident dismantling of Leeds at the London Stadium. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa might have known it wasn't going to be his night when his side had two early goals disallowed. Tyler Roberts' effort was ruled out for offside against Helder Costa before Patrick Bamford netted from Raphinha's cut-back, only for replays to show the ball had gone over the touchline before the cross. West Ham took the lead in the 21st minute after Luke Ayling tripped Jesse Lingard in the area. Lingard took the penalty and although Illan Meslier saved his shot, the on-loan Manchester United midfielder snapped up the rebound. West Ham doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Craig Dawson was left unmarked to head in Aaron Cresswell's corner. David Moyes' side were battling relegation at this stage of last season. But they have won four of their last six league games to leave Hammers fans dreaming of a place in Europe's elite club competition. "We are doing really well and having a good season. It could be a great season," Moyes said. "I'm not saying we will finish in the top four but we need to hang in and see what we can do."

Chelsea cruise, West Ham win as top four race hots up

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Premier League: Salah sets up goal on return as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0; Chelsea return to winning ways against Everton

Premier League: Perfect Cole Palmer hits four as Chelsea thrash woeful Everton 6-0

Chelsea cruise, West Ham win as top four race hots up