Liverpool vs Brighton Review
Arne Slot made his mark in Liverpool’s history, as his team secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton in the Premier League. This win made the Dutch manager the first Liverpool coach to achieve eight victories in his first ten league matches.
Darwin Núñez, one of the eight players rested during Liverpool’s 3-2 EFL Cup win against Brighton earlier in the week, nearly made a strong return to the starting lineup with an early attempt at Anfield. The Uruguayan skillfully maneuvered past Jack Hinshelwood and Joël Veltman, curling a shot towards the top corner, but was denied by a save from Bart Verbruggen. Despite their loss to Liverpool on Wednesday, Brighton played with confidence, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu continued the Seagulls’ scoring streak against the Reds, netting a goal after receiving a flicked pass from Danny Welbeck and striking it in off the post.
Liverpool intensified their efforts, determined to regain the top position in the Premier League. However, Fabian Hürzeler’s team continued to create more significant opportunities, with Yasin Ayari’s long pass finding Georginio Rutter, who thought he had increased the visitors’ lead, only to be thwarted by Caoimhín Kelleher’s foot. Kadıoğlu nearly shocked the Reds again just before halftime, sending a volley over the bar from Kaoru Mitoma’s cross, leaving Brighton as the only Premier League team to lead at Anfield at the break this season.
Liverpool came out strong in the second half, with Mohamed Salah missing a chance for his 10th career goal against Brighton when he faced Verbruggen one-on-one. Eventually, Cody Gakpo, who had troubled Brighton on Wednesday, created chaos again with a cross that went untouched into the net, marking his third goal in two matches against the Seagulls. The atmosphere at Anfield surged as Salah finally scored his fourth goal against Brighton in three league games, making a clever run into the penalty area and curling the ball high past Verbruggen.
Liverpool secured the win, relying on their status as the only Premier League team that hasn’t allowed a goal in the last 15 minutes of matches. This victory propelled Slot’s team to the top of the table after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth. On the other hand, Brighton suffered again from late goals, having also conceded twice in the final moments of their 2-2 draw with Wolves last week. With only two wins in their last eight matches, Hürzeler’s team has slipped to seventh place.
