Brighton and Hove Albion were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in a Premier League meeting on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds, who were previously struggling for any sort of consistent form, are now five games unbeaten under Arne Slot.
Hugo Ekitike scored both goals in the victory, which moved Liverpool up into sixth for the time being and to within touching distance of the top four.
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Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s impressive 2-0 win over Brighton?
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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The main talking point surrounding the game was, of course, the return of Mohamed Salah to the team.
Salah showed his true colours with an unselfish display, which will be his last for the club in 2025.
But he was not the only name who made a return to Anfield on December 13.
James Milner’s message to Liverpool fans after Brighton
Former Liverpool star James Milner, who left in 2023 to sign for Brighton, came off the bench for the final three minutes of normal time on Saturday.
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He, of course, had no impact on the result and saw his current side beaten quite easily.
But Milner was still upbeat after the tie and took to Instagram to pen a message thanking the Liverpool fans for the support they showed him when he came on.
James Milner during Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
He wrote: “Disappointing result but happy to be back out on the pitch and a special moment to play at Anfield wearing the #20.
“A massive thank you for the incredible welcome from the Anfield crowd. YNWA.
“Also to the travelling fans for your continued support, we need you with us over this period.”
Another ex-Reds midfielder, Jordan Henderson, took to the comments section of the post to react, sending a love-heart emoji.
What did you read into Salah’s full-time reaction at Anfield today?
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool pats the Liverpool badge on his shirt after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Will he play for Liverpool again?
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James Milner on what made Liverpool so special
Milner made 332 appearances for Liverpool, the most of any club during his illustrious career.
He played key roles in the Premier League and Champions League triumphs under Jurgen Klopp and has a special place in his heart for the club.
When explaining what made Liverpool so special during an interview with the Echo in May 2023, he said: “You feel part of something here and I feel lucky to have been in that dressing room with that group of guys.
“I do not feel sad [about leaving]. I feel content with the run I have had and what we have achieved.”
Milner is now 39 and, in the same interview, spoke about a potential move into management post-playing.
He said: “Coaching and management is an option in the future, but day-to-day football is interesting football isn’t it? Some days you think I’d love a go at management and then other days you see a manager sign a new contract and six weeks later they get sacked and you think ‘um, maybe the golf course is a better option!’.”
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