Liverpool Player Ratings: Brighton (A)
- •
- 417 reads
- •
- 2,780 views
- •
- 6 min read
Champions Liverpool continued their relentless form with a gritty 3-1 win over Brighton away at the AMEX Stadium.
This was their 30th league win of the season and it came in their 34th game, making them the fastest team in the history of top-flight football to reach that tally of victories.
A Mohamed Salah brace and a superb goal from captain Jordan Henderson sealed the win for the away side, while Leandro Trossard pulled one back at one stage for the Seagulls.
Liverpool were two up inside eight minutes, with both goals thanks to some superb pressing. Firstly, Naby Keita forced a mistake out of Davy Propper before sliding the ball across for Salah to score.
Moments later, Keita initiated another press and the loose ball fell for Salah, whose miscontrol allowed Henderson to hit it first time into the corner.
Just before half-time, a fine cross from Tariq Lamptey was volleyed home by Trossard to give Brighton a route back into the game.
That route back was forced closed away 15 minutes from time when Salah cleverly diverted an Andy Robertson corner inside the near post.
It was a game where both teams had ample chances, but Liverpool were more clinical than Brighton.
Here’s how we rated the Reds’ players:
Alisson - 6
Made a couple of good saves and couldn’t have done much to save the conceded goal. His distribution was a bit off radar though, and he got a little bit lucky when he was beaten to a corner kick by Lewis Dunk.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5
The right-back did not produce his usual great deliveries into the box and struggled on the ball in general. His defensive play wasn’t really up to the mark as well.
Joe Gomez - 5
There were moments in which he looked good, and then there were moments he lacked sharpness. The Englishman has to improve to finish the season on a strong note.
Virgil van Dijk - 9
The Dutchman was at his usual competent self, making key defensive interceptions, winning headers to defend set-pieces and made a couple of superb recovery runs. He even headed the ball to himself at one point!
Neco Williams - 6
The youngster began the game well, venturing forward on every occasion and delivering some good balls in the box. However, he was getting caught defensively as the half wore on. Subbed off at half-time with Klopp protecting him after he picked up a yellow card.
Jordan Henderson - 8
Scored a great goal to put Liverpool two up and worked hard to protect the defence. His covering was immaculate at times. Had to go off in the second half after an innocuous challenge led to what could be a significant knee injury.
Naby Keita - 9
Pressed the Brighton midfield well to create the first two goals, passed the ball with confidence and looked a real part in the game. One of his best games in a Liverpool shirt.
Subbed off after the hour mark.
Georginio Wijnaldum - 4
Had moments where he looked good, but he was largely invisible in the game and went about his business quietly. Should have done better to protect Williams in the first half.
Mohamed Salah - 9
Salah was in hot form in this game, scoring two well-taken goals and he provided an assist for the Henderson. Apart from that, he was always an outlet for balls in behind the Brighton defence and tormented the defenders at his will.
Roberto Firmino - 6
Firmino pressed the ball well and made some intelligent movements in the box. However, his decision-making on the ball in the final third wasn’t that great. Subbed off in the second half.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 3
Once again, Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled to show what he is capable of. Playing on the wing, the Englishman struggled to provide any thrust to attacks and didn’t track back well. Subbed off after the hour mark.
(SUB) Andy Robertson - 7
Came on at half-time, solidified the left-back area by stopping Lamptey from crossing and went forward at every occasion putting good deliveries into the box. Got an assist with a clever near-post corner for Salah to score.
(SUB) Sadio Mane - 5
Came on for the last half hour and was booked immediately for a flaying arm on the Brighton player. His movement was good and he made some good runs in behind.
(SUB) Fabinho - 5
Came on to solidify the midfield and add more steel to the defensive protection. Got booked in the process.
(SUB) James Milner - 5
Came on for Henderson for few minutes and helped the team see the game out.
(SUB) Takumi Minamino - 3
Came on inside the last 10 minutes and had a chance to open his Liverpool account late on but, he went for a cutback instead of shooting on goal.
Here's more you might like
Whenever Ibrox laughs at Celtic, Celtic always has the last laugh, we might just be in hysterics on the 14th of December
Wolff downplays Mercedes’ chances of beating Red Bull before 2026
Vasseur urges Ferrari to be ‘more efficient’ in 2024
Celtic’s board of comedians have another laugh at our expense. We are now becoming the laughing stock of Europe
What does tonight hold in store for Celtic? Another humiliation, or a turning point in Champions League performances?
