Rio points to a brighter future

NGUMOHA TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS MO & ROBERTSON PREPARE FAREWELLS

- BY PAUL GORST

THE legendary figures were serenaded, Mohamed Salah scored and Anfield felt as though it'd been transported back to a happier, more harmonious period at times here.

But make no mistake, this 2-0 win over Fulham provided enough evidence to suggest that Liverpool are entering a brand new era later this year.

If Salah registering his 256th goal in trademark style was a perfect way to mark his first Anfield appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season, there was also the hearty celebration of Andy Robertson, who too confirmed this week that these are his own final knockings.

And with Alisson Becker and his creaking muscles resting up on the sideline, Giorgi Mamardashvili’s appearance in goal was another nod to the future.

The need for a new guard to emerge is inescapable as two of the greatest ever in Salah and Robertson prepare to say their emotional goodbyes.

Step forward then Rio Ngumoha, whose stunning opening goal here whet the appetite of a fanbase who will soon be forced to find some new heroes.

He may very well be one on this showing.

Ngumoha, who was starting just his second Premier League game, was electric in the first half, dovetailing with Florian Wirtz and Robertson, who is 15 years his senior.