Arne Slot’s Liverpool came from a goal behind to secure a huge 2-1 victory over Brighton at Anfield that lifts them back to the summit of the Premier League table.
The Reds trailed 1-0 early on after Ferdi Kadioglu’s rasping shot off the inside of the post but in a much-improved second half, a Cody Gakpo cross that ended up in the far corner and Mohamed Salah’s thunderous effort earned Liverpool the full three points.
It was not a vintage performance from Slot’s side but they overcame the Seagulls for the second time in four days and move two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
Both City and Arsenal lost their matches to Bournemouth and Newcastle on the same day as Liverpool enjoyed a brilliant Saturday. Express Sport rates and slates the hosts after a vital win…
Kelleher – 7
Couldn’t do much about Kadioglu’s strike due to the power and pace of it. Huge one-vs-one save from Georginio Rutter when Brighton led 1-0.
Alexander-Arnold – 6
Struggled defensively against Kaoru Mitoma and not as accurate with his passing as usual for the first hour. Improved in the final half-an-hour and put in some good tackles.
Konate – 5
Forced off at half-time with a worrying arm injury. Was evidently in a lot of pain on his way off the pitch.
Van Dijk – 6
Struggled to live with Brighton’s attacking threat in the first half but helped Liverpool see it out at the end. Missed a great chance to make it 1-1.
Tsimikas – 6
Some dangerous deliveries from corners but could have been closer to Kadioglu for the goal. Combative in the tackle.
Gravenberch – 6
Struggled to keep Brighton at bay on the counter-attack. Better second half but still below the high standards he’s set himself this season.
Mac Allister – 4
Probably his worst performance for Liverpool – on and off the ball. Still almost headed the hosts level after the break.
Salah – 8
Hardly involved for the first hour then denied by Verbruggen when trying to flick it around the keeper one-vs-one. Then thundered one past the Belgian to make it 2-1 and showed his creative skill by releasing Curtis Jones in one attack. Relishes the role of match-winner.
Szoboszlai – 5
Poor on the ball despite plenty of running. Struggling to rediscover his best form.
Gakpo – 7
Brighton defended him much better today than in the midweek cup win but it was his cross that fortuitously ended up in the back of the net to pull Liverpool level.
Nunez – 6
Almost scored the best goal of his Liverpool career with a brilliant first-half run. Worked hard and put Salah in on goal for the chance he missed.
Substitutes
Gomez – 8
Given a rare centre-back outing when replacing the injured Konate. Twice nearly scored his first Liverpool goal with two headers saved. Defended very well.
Jones – 7
Crucial in the build-up to Salah’s goal and got an assist. Upped the tempo.
Diaz – 6
Brought some extra dynamism to Liverpool’s attack as Slot put all four fit forwards on.
Endo – 6
Helped see out the victory.
Bradley – N/A
Helped run down the clock.
