Player ratings as Liverpool earned a 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield
Liverpool made it back-to-back wins as Hugo Ekitike was the star man for the Reds as they clinched a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The France international netted in both halves as Arne Slot’s men extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Much of the talk in the week had been dominated by Mohamed Salah after he was dropped from the squad for the midweek trip to Inter Milan following his explosive comments about Slot and the club.
But the Egyptian was recalled to the squad against the Seagulls for his final appearance before reporting for the Africa Cup of Nations. While named again as a substitute, he wasted no time in making an impact when brought off the bench in the first half for the injured Joe Gomez.
READ MORE: Arne Slot makes final Mohamed Salah decision ahead of Liverpool star’s AFCON departure
The victory saw Liverpool climb to sixth in the Premier League table. The ECHO was in attendance at Anfield and here we run the rule over the performance of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 7
Had little to do for the majority but reacted quickly to race off his line and deny Gomez with a good save one-on-one after he was played in behind the defence.
Joe Gomez 7
Another assist for the defender! In the right place to head down for Ekitike, and could have set up a second only to see the Frenchman fire over. Forced off injured midway through the first half. A disappointing blow for the England international.
Ibrahima Konate 8
Another encouraging display from the defender. A little rash at times, but determined to win the ball at every occasion. Great recovery run and block to deny Minteh on the counter, and a big block to deny Gomez. Won countless tackles and aerial battles.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Won the physical battle against Rutter as Brighton found themselves limited in front of goal. Blocked one shot from Minteh. A rather straight-forward afternoon for the Dutchman.
Milos Kerkez 7
Given the unenviable task of lining up against Minteh but did well keeping the in-form winger quiet for the majority. Earned roars from the crowd following a couple of strong tackles.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
His partnership alongside Jones continues to blossom. Looked to get forward when possible and had a couple of shots on goal. Runs through midfield with such ease when given time on the ball. A big presence defensively late on to protect the clean sheet, heading clear and throwing his body on the line.
Curtis Jones 7
Another solid showing in midfield from the England international. Had to be the more defensive man at times, but everything went through him in the engine-room. Finished the game as the Reds’ third right-back of the afternoon.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
Worked hard in midfield before having to drop to right-back after Gomez was forced off. Linked up well with Salah the right after the Egyptian’s introduction as he shot over in the first half before later having a second effort blocked. Took a knock in the second half before being subbed late on. Serenaded frequently by the Kop as his impressive campaign continues.
Alexis Mac Allister 6
Couldn’t fault his effort at number 10, but things weren’t quite coming off for the Argentine in the final third. Shot tamely at Verbruggen when well-placed and unable to pick out Ekitike with a square pass.
Florian Wirtz 8
Initially stationed on the left but given freedom to roam, the German certainly enjoyed himself in the final third. Twice set up Ekitike in the box and had great joy skipping through the Brighton defence. Not as involved after the break but did play in Salah for one chance on the counter.
Hugo Ekitike 9
Back-to-back Premier League braces for the striker. Great touch and finish for the first inside the opening minute, leaving Verbruggen with no chance before rising highest to connect with Salah’s corner. A constant threat, his name was chanted throughout and on another day he could have had a hat-trick.
SUBS
Mohamed Salah (On for Gomez, 26) 8
Given the warmest of welcomes when brought on for Gomez and was eager to prove his worth. Almost made an immediate impact when playing in Mac Allister in the box. Denied by Verbuggen before assisting Ekitike for the second. Should have scored from Chiesa’s cross though.
Alexander Isak (On for Ekitike, 78) 6
Not given much in the final third, but did head one corner clear. Unable to get a shot off from Chiesa’ cross.
Andy Robertson (On for Wirtz, 78) 6
Has played 359 times for Liverpool but this was a first – brought on on the left-wing rather than in his natural left-back position.
Federico Chiesa (On for Szoboszlai, 83) N/A
Brought on to the sound of the booming rendition of his popular chant. Nearly set up Salah in stoppage-time with a great low cross, before picking out Isak.
