Huddersfield 0-1 Liverpool: Salah strike seals victory for Reds over valiant Huddersfield

Relive all the action from the John Smith's Stadium

Mohamed Salah reminded everyone of his sharp finishing (Getty)

Mohamed Salah finally returned to the lethal form Liverpool fans have come to expect after his first half strike sealed an unsteady victory against a valiant Huddersfield.

It was a serene rekindling of old Dortmund ties between Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner who conducted their post-match interviews as a pair but on the pitch Liverpool were decidedly sloppy and Huddersfield will rue a number of missed opportunities that could have dragged them out of the drop zone.

Salah's 50th Premier League goal came in the 24th minute after a deft ball by surprise Swiss starter Xherdan Shaqiri teed him up for a neat finish into the bottom corner.

The Egyptian reacted to his first goal for four games with a mixture of ecstasy and relief but it was then Huddersfield who began to take a foothold in the match when many might have expected this season's more ruthless Reds to add to their tally.

Jonathon Hogg belted a long-range effort against the post and just minutes later Alex Pritchard thought his close-range chip over Alisson had levelled the match before being ruled narrowly offside.

The pattern continued in the second half as Huddersfield continued to spurned opportunities which might have changed the fate of the game.

Salah celebrates with James Milner after scoring his first goal in four (Getty)

Jurgen Klopp brought on Fabinho to try and reinforce the protection in front of Liverpool's defence but even then Huddersfield substitute Steve Mounie wasted a glorious chance with less than ten minutes to go when the ball fortuitously bumbled to him in the box only to wildly thrash it skyward.

The victory put Liverpool back on equal footing with Manchester City, who walloped Burnley earlier in the day, and two in front of Chelsea after their draw with Manchester United.

Huddersfield, however, remain winless in nine and sit in the uncomfortable saddle of the relegation zone with just three points.

Relive all the action below.

[20 October 2018 16:40 · Jack Watson]

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Huddersfield vs Liverpool. Without another minute wasted, let's begin with the team news.

[20 October 2018 17:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Just over 15 minutes until kick off at the John Smith's Stadium.

Adam Lallana gets a somewhat rare start for the visitors in midfield. How will he go?

Huddersfield appear to have reinforced their defence and may have gone to a back-five. 

[20 October 2018 17:20 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Both teams have returned down the tunnel with their warm-ups completed.

Liverpool are firm favourites but Huddersfield have shown they can frustrate teams here in the past.

[20 October 2018 17:28 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

The players shake hands and we are all but ready to go.

Michael Oliver is the referee for this evening's fixture.

[20 October 2018 17:31 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Liverpool get the game underway. 

[20 October 2018 17:34 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

1 minute

It is a back-five as anticipated from the home team. Florent Hadergjonaj at right-wing-back, Erik Durm on the left and Chris Lowe slipping in behind him on the left of the three centre halves.

Liverpool appear to be playing a 4-3-3 with Xherdan Shaqiri surprisingly on the right of a midfield three and Mohamed Salah and Adam Lallana on the flanks. 

[20 October 2018 17:34 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

2 minutes

First chance for Mohamed Salah to latch on to a ball in behind but he can't find an opening for a shot.

[20 October 2018 17:36 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

4 minutes

Philip Billing hurls in a long throw but James Milner leaps well to head away.

[20 October 2018 17:37 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

5 minutes

Mohamed Salah looks to lead a counter-attack but Aaron Mooy tracks back well to block Daniel Sturridge's attempted return ball to the Egyptian.

[20 October 2018 17:39 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

7 minutes

Another Daniel Sturridge pass goes awry as Adam Lallana makes a run in the opposite direction to where the ball was played.

Huddersfield trying to play out from the back early on. Liverpool pressing with their typical energy.