Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: Salah and 8/10s dazzle as Ekitike lands Isak blow…

Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: Salah and 8/10s shine as Ekitike delivers Isak setback

LIVERPOOL 2-0 BRIGHTON: Hugo Ekitike netted twice as Liverpool triumphed over Brighton at Anfield, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches across all competitions.

Liverpool achieved back-to-back wins as Hugo Ekitike excelled in their solid 2-0 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion. The French forward scored in both halves, aiding Arne Slot’s team in prolonging their unbeaten run to five games.

The week was filled with discussions surrounding Mohamed Salah after he was omitted from the squad for the midweek trip to Inter Milan following his heated comments about Slot and the club.

Nevertheless, the Egyptian was reinstated in the lineup against the Seagulls for his final match before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations. Although he started on the bench once more, he made an instant impact when he came on for the injured Joe Gomez in the first half.

This victory lifted Liverpool to sixth place in the Premier League standings. Below, we evaluate the performances of the Liverpool players…

Alisson Becker 7

Generally untroubled but displayed quick reflexes to rush off his line and deny Gomez with a strong one-on-one save after he was played through on goal.

Joe Gomez 7

Another assist for the defender!

Well-positioned to head down for Ekitike, and could have added another assist but Ekitike shot over. Had to leave the field due to injury midway through the first half.

A frustrating setback for the England international.

Ibrahima Konate 8

The defender delivered another encouraging performance. He was occasionally a bit rash, but demonstrated a strong will to win the ball every time.

He made an impressive recovery run and block to stop Minteh on the counter, and executed a vital block to deny Gomez. He won many tackles and aerial battles.

Virgil van Dijk 7

Van Dijk triumphed in his physical contest with Rutter as Brighton struggled to create chances in front of goal. He blocked a shot from Minteh.

It was a fairly uneventful afternoon for the Dutchman.

Milos Kerkez 7

Kerkez was assigned to mark Minteh but succeeded in keeping the in-form winger subdued for the majority of the match. His strong tackles garnered applause from the audience.

Ryan Gravenberch 7

His collaboration with Jones continues to thrive. He aimed to advance whenever possible and took a couple of shots at goal.

He navigated through midfield seamlessly when afforded space on the ball. He played a crucial defensive role late in the match, aiding in the preservation of the clean sheet by clearing headers and putting his body on the line.

Curtis Jones 7

Jones delivered another commendable performance in midfield. He occasionally had to take on a more defensive role, yet he remained central to all activities in the engine room.

He concluded the match as the Reds’ third right-back of the day.

Dominik Szoboszlai 7

He worked diligently in midfield before being compelled to shift to right-back following Gomez’s exit. He established a solid partnership with Salah on the right, shooting over the bar in the first half and later having another attempt blocked.

He took a hit in the second half before being substituted towards the end. The Kop frequently sang his praises as his impressive season progresses.

Alexis Mac Allister 6

His effort at number 10 was commendable, but things didn’t quite come together for the Argentine in the final third. He fired a weak shot at Verbruggen when in a favorable position and failed to connect with Ekitike with a square pass.

Florian Wirtz 8

Initially stationed on the left but granted the freedom to roam, the German certainly maximized his time in the final third. He set up Ekitike in the box twice and had great success maneuvering through the Brighton defense.

He was less involved after half-time but did manage to assist Salah for a counter-attack opportunity.

Hugo Ekitike 9

Two Premier League braces in succession for the striker. His first goal arrived within the opening minute, a superb touch and finish that left Verbruggen powerless, before he outjumped everyone to connect with Salah’s corner.

SUBS

Mohamed Salah (Replaced Gomez, 26) 8

He received a warm reception upon entering the game for Gomez and appeared keen to prove his worth. He almost made an instant impact by assisting Mac Allister in the penalty area, but Verbuggen denied him before he provided an assist to Ekitike for the second goal.

Nevertheless, he missed a chance to score from Chiesa’s cross.

Alexander Isak (Replaced Ekitike, 78) 6

He had limited involvement in the attacking third, but he did manage to clear one corner with a header. He was unable to take a shot from Chiesa’s cross.

Andy Robertson (Replaced Wirtz, 78) 6

Even though he has made 359 appearances for Liverpool, this was his first time being substituted on as a left winger instead of his usual left-back role.

Federico Chiesa (Replaced Szoboszlai, 83) N/A

He was met with a loud chorus of his well-known chant upon his arrival. He nearly assisted Salah in stoppage time with an excellent low cross, before finding Isak.