Liverpool notched a much-needed victory that required the players to be on their toes throughout, with many showing great versatility to react to injuries in the 2-0 Anfield win.
Liverpool 2-0 Brighton
Premier League (16) | Anfield
December 13, 2025
Goals: Ekitike 1’, 60’
Alisson – 8 (out of 10)
Made an important early save, one-v-one, from a Diego Gomez shot. It was a great chance for the Brighton man, but Alisson kept the score at 1-0.
Always looking to create attacking threats with his passing, and did so on a few occasions, especially once Salah offered an outlet on the right.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Joe Gomez leaves the pitch injured during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Joe Gomez – 7
Used as a target man down the right when the team were trying to move the ball from the back.
Effective in more attacking areas, setting up the goal with a header and creating a good chance for Ekitike from the byline.
Had arguably been the team’s best player before going off injured to be replaced by Salah.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Made a good recovering block when Minteh had found a way behind the back line, and another one towards the end of the first half from Diego Gomez.
It didn’t always seem totally controlled, but he did enough when required, and the “Ibou” chants were back inside Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Only Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has made more defensive contributions than Van Dijk this season, so the Dutchman may have been happy to have a relatively quiet afternoon.
There were still moments of danger from Brighton attacks, but most of that was due to a lack of cover in midfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez challenges Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Milos Kerkez – 8
A quick throw-in in the build-up to the goal was key in keeping Brighton on the back foot in that moment.
Had his hands full against Yankuba Minteh and was beaten on a couple of occasions, but went 100% into every challenge and gave as good as he got.
Made some really good interventions later on in the game in one of his most assured outings in red.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Needs to find the balance between joining the back line and filling gaps in midfield when defending in Slot’s system.
There was one occasion where there was a big gap between the midfield and defence, and though not solely Gravenberch’s fault, it is the kind of space he needs to make sure he’s always ready to fill.
Improved as the game went on.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch is challenged by Brighton & Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
One of Liverpool’s most valuable players at this moment in time, along with Jones, showing his versatility by moving to right-back once Gomez went off injured.
A constant threat in attack, whether passing or potentially from long range, even if none of his shots came off on this occasion.
The hope will be that there is no concern over his late knock, with this the first time this season he has not completed the full 90 minutes when he has started.
Curtis Jones – 9
Good early pressure off the ball set the tone ahead of the early goal.
Was very tidy in midfield from then on, and worked hard off the ball, regularly putting in strpints to close people down and track back.
Was congratulated by Van Dijk for one particular moment of recovery defending.
Continued to impress when moved the the right wing later on, and dropped to right-back for the last 10.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Started the game in a more advanced role out of possession, joining Ekitike in the forward line when pressing the opposition.
Stayed relatively advanced even when the team shape changed once Salah came on, and then had the wind knocked out of his sails late with a hefty challenge.
Still not at his 2024/25 best, but it was an improvement on other performances this season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool players form a huddle to celebrate after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Florian Wirtz – 8
Linked up well, starting from the left and coming inside.
Showed some moments of class and looked very comfortable in the team on this occasion. As per FotMob, won nine of his 12 duels – the second-most of any player – and made the most recoveries (nine) of any outfielder.
Is a final touch or completed dribble away from doing some real damage.
Hugo Ekitike – 9 (Man of the Match)
Took the early goal well, as it was unlikely he would be expecting such a chance so early in the game.
Had another decent opportunity shortly after, but Gomez’s pass came to him a bit too quickly to get enough control on the shot.
Difficult to put your finger on exactly why, but he just plays like a Liverpool striker, and fits in well with this team. Helps out defensively, including at set pieces, as well as in attack.
Shot over following a dangerous Liverpool break, and played a poor pass between Salah and Mac Allister shortly after, but made up for that by heading in Salah’s corner. Two goals from seven shots!
Overall Team Performance – 8
Substitutes
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's supporters look on as Mohamed Salah calls for the ball during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Mohamed Salah (on for Gomez, 26′) – 7 – On to big cheers and immediately involved. Looking to pass more than shoot. Put one on a plate for Ekitike to head home from a corner kick. Had a chance to score late on from Chiesa’s pass but shot over.
Alexander Isak (on for Ekitike, 78′) – N/A – Had just six touches.
Andy Robertson (on for Wirtz, 78′) – N/A – Came on as a left winger in a 4-4-2 in front of Kerkez and looked eager to help set up Salah.
Federico Chiesa (on for Szoboszlai, 83′) – N/A – Set up Salah for a chance to make it 3-0 in added time. Made some good contributions in his short time on the pitch.
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Ngumoha, Lucky
Arne Slot – 8
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
All the attention was on the Salah situation, and he started the game on the bench. Back in the squad at least, but not in the team.
Chose to go with Salah off the bench rather than reserve, right-back Calvin Ramsay and it worked.
Made numerous changes later in the game with Liverpool 2-0 up, which included many players playing out of position, but it somehow worked.
Bigger tests lie ahead, but these were three important points to get, and Slot managed the occasion well.