Diego Gomez of Brighton & Hove Albion is substituted off for teammate James Milner during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England.placeholder image
Diego Gomez of Brighton & Hove Albion is substituted off for teammate James Milner during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield on Saturday
The Reds had drawn their last two Premier League games but returned to winning ways against the Seagulls. It was a third win in five games for Arne Slot’s side - and also a third clean sheet in five outings.
On the pitch matters have been somewhat overshadowed in the last week with Mohamed Salah coming out last weekend to express frustration about being dropped. He claimed that the club had thrown him under the bus and that he no longer had a relationship with the manager in bombshell comments.
Salah came off the bench in the first half against Brighton after an injury to Joe Gomez following clear the air talks on Friday. He provided the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal of the game as the Frenchman headed home from Salah’s corner.
After the game, Salah took to social media to share a video of himself clapping the Liverpool fans at full-time. Last week, the Egyptian admitted he did not know if he would return to Liverpool once the African Cup of Nations is over. He has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia as well as MLS side San Diego ahead of the January window.
Arne Slot on discusses Mo Salah applause after Liverpool win
Speaking about Salah’s applause of the fans after the game, Slot said: “I think he wasn't the only player who walked around the pitch thanking the fans because the fans deserved a thank you from us. I think our players worked incredibly hard today to keep a clean sheet and for the first time in weeks – or maybe I should say months – we had a little bit of luck with that as well.
“I think we did a lot of things well, but also had a little bit of luck. We've had games where we've not conceded a chance but conceded three goals. Today we definitely did concede chances but they didn't go in.
“Mo is going to go to the AFCON now, I hope he is going to do very well and in the meantime we have to play here without him with not that many players available at the moment. The good thing is we play on Saturday and then a week in between and then again Saturday. That's the situation.”
James Milner shows class with message after Anfield return
The win for Liverpool also marked the return of James Milner to Anfield. The former Man City and Leeds United man is widely considered a Liverpool legend for his contributions during Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club.
He came off the bench for Brighton, wearing the number 20 shirt - something he has taken on this season in tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota.
After the game, he posted on social media: “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 you continued support we need you over this period.”
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