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Salah scores as Liverpool beats Tottenham 4-2 in the Premier League

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Salah scores as Liverpool beats Tottenham 4-2 in the Premier League
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Salah scores as Liverpool beats Tottenham 4-2 in the Premier League

2024-05-06 01:33 Last Updated At:01:40

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Mohamed Salah quickly put last week's sideline spat with Jurgen Klopp behind him by scoring first in Liverpool's 4-2 win against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

The sight of Salah arguing with his departing manager late on in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at West Ham last week dominated debate in the following days.

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Liverpool's Andrew Robertson celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Mohamed Salah quickly put last week's sideline spat with Jurgen Klopp behind him by scoring first in Liverpool's 4-2 win against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliottcelebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliottcelebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Tottenham's Richarlison celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Tottenham's Richarlison celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is congratulated by Jarell Quansah after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is congratulated by Jarell Quansah after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

But the Egyptian was back in the starting lineup and back on the score sheet to set his team on course for victory against Spurs at Anfield.

Salah had already come close to scoring by the time he rose at the far post in the 16th minute to head in Cody Gakpo's cross from the left.

Tottenham had been given hope in its pursuit of Champions League qualification after fourth-place Aston Villa had a surprise 1-0 loss at Brighton. But Ange Postecoglou's team never looked capable of taking advantage of that result after being outclassed by Liverpool.

The home team went 2-0 up in the 45th after Salah's shot was saved by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and Andy Robertson converted from the rebound.

It was the least Liverpool deserved after dominating the chances in the first half and forcing Vicario into a host of desperate saves.

The title may be all but beyond Klopp's team, but Liverpool still looks intent on ending the season on a high for the German, who is stepping down as manager.

Gakpo scored Liverpool's third goal five minutes after the break when heading low at the far post following Harvey Elliott's curling left-foot cross.

Nine minutes later it was Elliott's turn to score with a moment of individual brilliance that brought the home fans to their feet and a beaming grin to Klopp's face.

Collecting the ball on the right, Elliott needed one touch to get away from Rodrigo Bentancur. Then, from around 20 yards (meters), he curled an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner and beyond the dive of Vicario.

Postecoglou sent on Richarlison in the hope of salvaging something and the Brazil international quickly made an impact by turning home Brennan Johnson's cross in the 72nd.

He then turned provider to tee up Son Heung-min to fire in from close range five minutes later.

Richarlison forced Alisson into a low save when racing through late on, which led to Joe Gomez producing a flying clearance to stop Johnson from converting the rebound.

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, center, is congratulated after scoring his side's 2nd goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliottcelebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliottcelebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates scoring his side's 4th goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Tottenham's Richarlison celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Tottenham's Richarlison celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is congratulated by Jarell Quansah after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is congratulated by Jarell Quansah after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

DENVER (AP) — Matt Duchene took off down the ice, slid on his knees and pumped his right glove.

That's what the video will show anyway. Because his big moment was pretty much a big blur. He just knows what it meant: The Dallas Stars are heading back to the Western Conference final.

Duchene scored at 11:42 of the second overtime after being involved in a play that led to a goal disallowed for goaltender interference in the first extra period, and the Stars advanced with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 on Friday night.

Duchene, a 2009 draft pick of the Avalanche, secured a loose puck in front of the net and sent it over a sprawled out Alexandar Georgiev to start the celebration. He was too exhausted, too caught up in the moment, to take it all in.

“Just elation,” Duchene said. "I was so tired, I started skating and then I got tired. I don’t even know what I did after that, to be honest with you. I was pretty pumped up.”

In the locker room after the game, the Stars celebrated by blaring an almost fitting tune — “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver.

Dallas advances to face either Edmonton or Vancouver next. It’s the second straight trip to the conference final for the Stars, who lost last season to eventual Stanley Cup champion Vegas. The Stars won their only Stanley Cup title in 1999.

“The dream's still alive,” Stars forward Joe Pavelski said.

Jamie Benn tied the score at 1:56 of the third period.

Mason Marchment thought he scored the winner with 7:29 left in the first overtime but it was waved off for goaltender interference. The play was reviewed and the call on the ice stood. Duchene was jostling with Cale Makar in front of Georgiev, leading to a call. The NHL’s situation room explained that Duchene impaired Georgiev’s ability to play his position in the crease.

“The explanation that I got was Dutchie’s (bottom) was over the line. His feet were outside but his (bottom) was over the line,” Marchment explained. “I think honestly, they didn’t want to make it a deciding goal. ... At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. We got the job done. It’s awesome.”

Jake Oettinger was stellar all night in making 29 saves. One of his biggest was a close-range shot from Artturi Lehkonen down low midway through the second OT.

“He was fabulous,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said of his goaltender.

This was a series in which the road team won five of six games, including the Stars taking all three in Denver. The Avalanche were the top home team in the regular season, while the Stars had the best road record.

It was a difficult end to what was a tumultuous postseason for Colorado, with Valeri Nichushkin suspended before Game 4 for violating terms of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

“A devastating result,” Makar said of the Game 6 loss. “The year being where we all feel like we have a team that with all of our pieces can make a push for the whole thing.”

Colorado scored the opening goal of the game for the first time in the series when Mikko Rantanen sent a wrist shot over Oettinger early in the second period on a power play.

Makar had an assist to give him 80 career playoff points in 72 games played. He’s the fifth defenseman in NHL history to amass 80 career postseason points in 80 or fewer games, joining Bobby Orr (66 games), Paul Coffey (67), Brian Leetch (70) and Al MacInnis (71).

Both teams were missing forwards, with Roope Hintz out for Dallas and Yakov Trenin for Colorado.

“We fought hard,” said Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, a Hart Trophy finalist who had four goals and 10 assists in the postseason run. “The effort was there the whole season.”

It's the end of hockey for Zach Parise, who's calling it a career. He was drafted by the New Jersey in 2003 and once played for DeBoer while both were with the Devils. They shared a moment after the game.

“I loved playing for him. He’s a world-class coach,” Parise said. “He’s the type of guy, now that we’re out, you cheer for him.”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon reacts after Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene scored the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon reacts after Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene scored the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, third from left, is congratulated after scoring the winning goal by, from left, right wing Evgenii Dadonov and centers Wyatt Johnston and Radek Faksa in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, third from left, is congratulated after scoring the winning goal by, from left, right wing Evgenii Dadonov and centers Wyatt Johnston and Radek Faksa in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, left, celebrates after scoring the winning goal with defenseman Chris Tanev in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, left, celebrates after scoring the winning goal with defenseman Chris Tanev in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, celebrates scoring the winning goal as defensemen Esa Lindell, back left, and Chris Tanev look on in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, celebrates scoring the winning goal as defensemen Esa Lindell, back left, and Chris Tanev look on in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, celebrates after scoring the winning goal as defensemen Esa Lindell, back left, and Chris Tanev look on in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, celebrates after scoring the winning goal as defensemen Esa Lindell, back left, and Chris Tanev look on in the second overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt, left, pushes Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, center, against Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt, left, pushes Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, center, against Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, left, has his shot blocked by Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev during the first overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, left, has his shot blocked by Colorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev during the first overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Jonathan Drouin, left, and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn reach for the puck during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Jonathan Drouin, left, and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn reach for the puck during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars left wings Jamie Benn, left, and Jason Robertson warm up before Game 6 of the team's NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Dallas Stars left wings Jamie Benn, left, and Jason Robertson warm up before Game 6 of the team's NHL hockey playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen, center, works for position in front of the net against Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell, right, as goaltender Jake Oettinger stops a shot during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen, center, works for position in front of the net against Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell, right, as goaltender Jake Oettinger stops a shot during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen, left, congratulates right wing Mikko Rantanen for a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen, left, congratulates right wing Mikko Rantanen for a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley, left, tries to knock the puck away from Colorado Avalanche right wing Brandon Duhaime during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley, left, tries to knock the puck away from Colorado Avalanche right wing Brandon Duhaime during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano stumbles next to Dallas Stars center Craig Smith during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Andrew Cogliano stumbles next to Dallas Stars center Craig Smith during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger makes a glove save against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger makes a glove save against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen, right, is congratulated for a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen, right, is congratulated for a goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, pursues the puck, in front of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene, front, pursues the puck, in front of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews during the second period of Game 6 of an NHL hockey playoff series Friday, May 17, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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