Liverpool fans were left questioning outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp for his decision to take off Mohamed Salah against Sheffield United.
The game was level at 1-1 when Salah was substituted on the hour mark at Anfield on Thursday but Klopp was proven right as the Reds ran out 3-1 winners.
Liverpool knew victory would take them back top of the Premier League after Arsenal and Manchester City both won on Wednesday.
Sheffield United got off to the better start, with James McAtee forcing Caomhin Kelleher into a smart save inside 90 seconds.
Liverpool took the lead in bizarre circumstances in the 17th minute when Darwin Nunez charged down a kick from Blades goalkeeper Ivo Grbic.
The ball rebounded off the striker and trickled into the net in what was a calamitous error.
Liverpool were unable to add to their advantage and were then pegged back by their bottom-of-the-table opponents 13 minutes after half-time.
Gustavo Hamer's shot was unfortunately turned into his own net by Conor Bradley to level the match at 1-1.
Liverpool needed a goal and one player who has so often popped up at the big occasion is Salah.
But less than two minutes after United scored, the Egyptian was taken off by Klopp.
Salah didn't look happy as he made his way to the dugout, with the home fans baffled by the decision.
Supporters straight away took to social media to question Klopp for bringing off their top scorer.
One X user wrote: "Sometimes I don't understand Klopp's decision, why he subbed off Salah when we need a goal?"
Another put: "We’re drawing the worst team in the league and he decides to sub off Salah."
A third wrote "Why would you take off Salah? What a bizarre sub. Can only be a knock."
A fourth put: "Love Klopp but taking Salah out is a complete miss."
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Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah had a difficult night against Sheffield United
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Liverpool face arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday and some felt he was being protected for that game.
One fan wrote: "Has Salah been saved for Sunday or is he carrying an injury? This is baffling."
Another harshly wrote: "Now I understand why Klopp is leaving."
Salah was under par during his time on the pitch and one fan was happy to see him taken off, writing: "Good, Salah has been poor for a little while now."
Liverpool news: Alexis Mac Allister scored the vital second goal for the Reds
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But Klopp had the last laugh when Alexis Mac Allister put his team back in the lead with 14 minutes remaining.
The Argentina international was first to the loose ball after United were unable to clear properly from a cross.
Mac Allister let loose with an incredible shot from just inside the 18-yard box to leave Grbic absolutely helpless.
Cody Gakpo made sure of the points in the 90th minute and Liverpool are now two clear of Arsenal heading into the weekend's action.
