Steven Gerrard expects Mohamed Salah message after matching Liverpool record

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah equaled Steven Gerrard's number of assists for the Reds against Sunderland, setting up the winner scored by Virgil van Dijk in the North East

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says he expects to hear from Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian drew level with him on the number of assists he has provided for the Anfield side.

Salah's corner kick in the second half at the Stadium of Light was headed home by Virgil van Dijk, ensuring that Liverpool took advantage of Manchester United and Chelsea slipping up on Tuesday in the race for the Champions League spots.

Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were excellent at the back, keeping a clean sheet alongside Andy Robertson and Wataru Endo. And while the latter was stretchered off, it was a good outing for Arne Slot's side in terms of the result.

Gerrard, speaking as a pundit on TNT Sports, was delighted with the victory and that Salah leveled his assists record in the process. Inevitably, he will be overtaken sooner rather than later.

"It is brilliant for him," Gerrard said. "He should be going ahead of me tonight. He put a brilliant ball in for Hugo Ekitike at the weekend and he missed a sitter.

"I am sure he will be disappointed he hasn't gone one ahead. And I am sure he will remind me!"

Mohamed Salah under pressure from Noah Sadiki, Trai Hume and Omar Alderete during Sunderland vs Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Salah was not particularly effective in open play but made a telling difference in the second half. The win was a big one for under-pressure Arne Slot, too.

"He has so many records for this club, but to have this one combined with such a great player," Slot said of Salah's latest record.

"Both were unbelievable players for this club. Unfortunately for Steven, I expect Mo to go above him! I don't expect, but I hope he goes above him."

On the game and win in general, Slot added: "Very important. I think we dug deep, after only two days of rest.

"Then going to a difficult away game. We showed again how well we can play on the ball. We created so many opportunities today.

"The character we have shown throughout the whole game was very good and that is why we leave this place with a 1-0 win.

"Second half, we had so many good moments and so many moments where we had quality players in promising positions. The overall performance in terms of work rate was really good."