Liverpool comfortably defeated Brighton 2-0 thanks to the performance of Hugo Ekitike, clinching their winning streak. The French international scored in both halves to extend Arne Slott’s side’s unbeaten run to five games. The week has been dominated by talk about Mohamed Salah, after he was left out of the squad for the midweek trip to Inter Milan following harsh comments about the slot and the club.
However, the Egyptian returned to the squad for his final appearance before heading to the African Cup of Nations against the Seagulls. Although he was once again on the bench, he immediately made an impact when he came on in place of the injured Joe Gomez in the first half. With this victory, Liverpool moved up to 6th place in the Premier League standings. Here we rate Liverpool players…
Alisson Becker 7
There were few problems, but he reacted quickly, darting off his line and denying Diego Gomez, who was played on goal, with a solid one-on-one save.
Joe Gomez 7
Extra assist for the defender!
He was in the perfect position to give Ekitike a header and could have provided another assist, but Ekitike took the shot. He was forced to leave due to an injury midway through the first half.
It was a disappointing setback for the England international.
Ibrahima Konate 8
The defender put in another promising performance. Although he was a little hasty at times, he showed determination to win the ball in any situation.
He thwarted Minte’s counterattack with a great recovery run and block, and then thwarted Gomez with a crucial block. He won numerous tackles and aerial duels.
Virgil van Dijk 7
As Brighton struggled to make an impact in front of goal, Van Dijk won a physical duel with Rutter. Blocked one shot from Mintae.
It was a relatively uneventful afternoon for the Dutch.
Milos Kerkes 7
Kerkes was tasked with marking Minte, but managed to keep the in-form winger quiet for most of the match. His powerful tackle drew cheers from the crowd.
ryan gravenbirch 7
Our partnership with Jones continues to grow. He tried to move forward as much as possible and hit several shots on goal.
When given space on the ball, he easily penetrated the midfield. He was an important defensive presence in the final stages of the match, heading clear and putting his body on the line to help keep a clean sheet.
curtis jones 7
Jones had another solid performance in midfield. He sometimes had to play a defensive role, but in the engine room he was at the center of everything.
He finished the game as the Reds’ third right-back.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
He played tirelessly in midfield until Gomez’s departure forced him to move to right-back. He formed a good link-up with Salah on the right flank, and his shot went over the bar in the first half, but his shot was then blocked again.
He was hit in the second half and was replaced late in the game. Kopp was frequently praised for his outstanding season.
alexis mac allister 6
His effort in number 10 was not a mistake, but things did not go well for the Argentine in the final third. He gave Verbruggen a weak shot in a good position, but could not find Ekitike with a square pass.
Florian Wirtz 8
Initially positioned on the left flank but able to move around freely, the German certainly made the most of his time in the final third. Twice Ekitike set up inside the box with great success, getting through the Brighton defence.
He wasn’t too involved after half-time, but he managed to give Salah an opportunity to fight back.
Hugo Equitique 9
The striker has scored twice in two consecutive Premier League games. His first goal came within the first minute, with a great touch and finish as he shot Verbrüggen helplessly past everyone before curling into Salah’s corner.
Always a threat, his name rang throughout the game and on any other day he would have scored a hat-trick.
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Mohamed Salah (replaced Gomez, 26) 8
He was warmly welcomed as Gomez’s replacement and seemed eager to prove his worth. He almost made an immediate impact by setting up Mac Allister in the box, but was thwarted by Verbagen before assisting Ekitike’s second goal.
But they should have scored from Chiesa’s cross.
Alexander Isaac (on in Ekitike, 78) 6
There wasn’t much action in the final third, but he did manage to clear one of the corners with a header. Couldn’t get a shot off Chiesa’s cross.
Andy Robertson (Wurtz, 78) 6
Despite making 359 appearances for Liverpool, it was the first time he had been used as a left-winger, rather than his usual left-back position.
Federico Chiesa (Representative of Szoboszlai, 83 years old) Not applicable
When he appeared, he was greeted with a popular chant played at full volume. He almost set up Salah with a nice low cross in stoppage time, but found Isak.
