Anfield's brilliant reaction as James Milner substituted on wearing Diogo Jota's No 20
How they Brighton players rated at Anfield against Liverpool - Logan McLeod’s player ratings
Hugo Ekitike scored both goals – including the fastest of the Premier League season – as Mohamed Salah made an earlier-than-expected return in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield.
Cameramen barely had time to shift their focus off Salah, back in the squad after being dropped for his explosive comments about being “thrown under the bus” by the club, when Ekitike struck after just 46 seconds.
Yankuba Minteh and Diego Gomez both had chances to equalise but the first half was controlled by Liverpool .
Ekitike continued to pose a threat in the second half and his second arrived on the horu as he nodded home from a corner.
Brighton were dangerous at times with Gomez hitting Alisson’s right-hand upright and Brajan Gruda also dragged wide.
Here’s how the Brighton players rated
Bart Verbruggen 7/10 - Nothing he could do for either Ekitike's goals - both close range and let down by his defence. Excellent distribution throughout. Didn't have much to save but was there when needed. Parried a powerful Salah shot to deny the Egyptian a perfect send off
Mats Weiffer - 6/10 - Filled in at RB again. Beaten a few times but was otherwise steady in defence. Should have had an assist. Delivered a great ball across the face of goal for Gomes, who couldn't tap it in at the back stick. Blasted over from a good position late on.
Jan Paul Van Hecke - 6/10 Couldn't get over quick enough to close down Ekitike for his first goal. Went on to have a strong game. Ws strong in the air, made some nice line-breaking passes into Rutter's feet, and was strong in 1v1s.
Lewis Dunk - 5/10: Caught ball watching for Liverpool's first goal. Poor. Looked like his legs had gone when Ekitike glided past him in the second half, which later led to Liverpool's second. Booked for a cynical foul on Mac Allister on a Liverpool break. Not a great day for the captain.
Ferdi Kadoglu - 7/10: Played well in and out of possession. Got forward more in the second. Looks like a prospect. Very tenacious. Good one v one defending as the last man to deny Salah. Should have maybe scored late on.
Carlos Baleba - 6/10: Liverpool's midfield was getting past him too often and too easy. Was caught cold a few too many times. Frustrating day for the Cameroonian. Replaced for Ayari (64').
Jack Hinshelwood - 6/10: He was trying to press but Liverpool popped it around him with ease. Cut a frustrated figure at times. Replaced for Mitoma (64').
Yankuba Minteh - 5/10: Terrible clearance which led to Liverpool's early goal. Very nearly made amends straight away but saw his left-footed strike go just wide of the post. Should have had an assist too after with a lovely through ball into Gomez, who failed to beat Alisson in a one v one. Fluffed his own 1v1 against not long after. Tracked back really well at times.
Brajan Gruda - 6/10: Cut a frustrated figure at times. Did well in moments and tried to make things happen but often saw his pass or his run be denied by a compact Liverpool. Went very very close to getting an equaliser but dragged his shot wide early in the second half.
Diego Gomez - 6/10: On another day he might have had a brace. Made a great run in behind a sleeping Joe Gomes but Alisson denied him in a one v one. Missed another great opportunity at the back post as he went agonisingly close from a yard out.
Georginio Rutter - 6/10: Dropped into a lot of space as a false nine and linked defence to attack. Caused problems at times. Showed some lovely touches but was crowded out often. Made an unreal turn and pass to set Miotma up for a 1v1, but the Japan international fluffed his chance. Played well as a false 9, created a lot of good chances.
Kaoru Mitoma - 6/10: Messed up a 1v1 to get Brighton back in the game with 20 left, will be disappointed with that.
Yasin Ayari 6/10: Played well when he came on. Saw a good chance from the edge of the box blocked by Konate.
Charalampos Kostoulas - N/A: Came on late for Georginio
James Milner: Received a standing ovation to chants 'there's only one James Milner', from the Kop, as he came on late in the game. Slipped on the halfway line and let Mo Salah in for a 1v1, but the Egyptian failed to convert again.
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