Watch: Salah ignores Martinez’s mind games to slot home penalty

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Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match against Aston Villa, Anfield, Liverpool, Dec. 11, 2021.

Mohamed Salah ignored Emi Martinez’s trademark mind games to score Liverpool’s only goal of their Premier League game against Aston Villa.

The build-up to the match was dominated with discussion over the return of Steven Gerrard to Anfield, this time as Aston Villa manager, but it was a tight match for Liverpool who had to struggle to get their three points.

But when Salah was taken out by Tyrone Mings in the 65th minute and a penalty was awarded, it was Salah who stepped up to make the breakthrough.

Argentine number one Martinez stood in his way. The former-Arsenal goalkeeper has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league since his move to Villa.

He played a vital role in Argentina’s Copa America win this summer, notably his penalty shootout performance against Colombia in the semi-final where he employed some heavy mind game tactics which included insulting and trying to unnerve the penalty taker.

When Salah stepped up Martinez bounced from side to side on his line and pointed to his right, goading Salah to shoot that way.

But Salah ignored the mind games and kept his cool. He fired to Martinez’s left and whilst the Villa man dived the same way, the Egyptian’s shot was just outside his reach.

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