LIVERPOOL - Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike struck twice as the Reds secured a crucial 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, in a match marked by an emotional reception for Mohamed Salah, who registered a landmark assist amid ongoing uncertainty over his future. The win lifted Arne Slot’s side provisionally to sixth place in the table with 26 points from 16 matches, seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Brighton slipped to ninth, three points behind Liverpool. Liverpool made a blistering start as Ekitike opened the scoring just 47 seconds into the match, the fastest goal of the Premier League season. A poor clearance attempt by YankubaMinteh allowed Joe Gomez to nod the ball back into the danger area, where Ekitike reacted sharply, turning and firing past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
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The afternoon took on added significance when Salah entered the pitch to a standing ovation in the 26th minute after Gomez was forced off through injury. The Egyptian forward, whose future at Anfield has been under scrutiny following recent public criticism of the club, immediately made his presence felt with his energy and creativity. Salah provided the decisive moment in the 60th minute, delivering a precise corner to the far post for Ekitike to head home his second goal. It marked Liverpool’s first league goal from a corner this season.
With that assist, Salah became the Premier League’s all-time leader for goal involvements with a single club, moving to 277, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s 276 for Manchester United. The Anfield crowd responded by chanting his name, underlining the deep bond between player and supporters.
Salah nearly capped the moment with a goal in stoppage time, but fired over the bar from close range after a swift counter-attack led by Federico Chiesa. He appeared emotional as he applauded the crowd at the final whistle. “I think we had a bit of luck today, and maybe we deserved it,” Slot said afterwards. “Mohamed was a threat from the first touch. It was an easy decision to bring him on, and his assist was crucial.” The victory followed Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan in midweek, giving the Reds back-to-back wins at a vital stage of the season. Ekitike praised the team’s resolve. “When you play for Liverpool, you have to win,” he said. “We stayed compact, stuck together and deserved the result.”
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