Liverpool managed to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 in the Premier League match on December 13, at Anfield and climbed in the points table. The match started on a great note for the Merseyside club as striker Hugo Ekitike scored the fastest Premier League goal of the season in just 46 seconds.
Joe Gomez provided the assist for the goal after pouncing on a poor clearance from Brighton. The Reds did have the initial burst, but they failed to dominate the proceedings as Brighton grew into the game, and Diego Gomez also hit the goal post from a very close range early into the second half.
The Reds, however, doubled their lead on the hour mark from a fantastic corner kick from Mohamed Salah, who came on to the field as a substitute. Ekitike, yet again, scored from it with his head, and that assist helped the Egyptian winger become the player with the most Premier League goal involvements for a single club. He surpassed former English striker Wayne Rooney’s tally for Manchester United.
Liverpool managed to keep a clean sheet, and that should have made Arne Slot happy. However, the Reds were lucky at times due to the chances missed by the Seagulls. With this win, Liverpool registered their second victory and clean sheet on the trot, amidst speculations about Salah’s future at the club. The reigning champions climbed to sixth place in the league table.
Here are the Liverpool player ratings after their win against Brighton:
Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike scored both goals for Liverpool
Alisson (8/10): Made a vital early save and stayed calm throughout. His passing helped Liverpool control play.
Joe Gomez (7/10): Strong on the right and set up the opener. Looked sharp before injury forced him off.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10): Made key blocks and recovered well when Brighton broke through.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Had a steady game and handled danger when required.
Milos Kerkez (8/10): Battled hard all game and made important late interventions.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): Improved after a quiet start and worked harder defensively.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): Covered multiple roles and stayed a threat going forward.
Curtis Jones (9/10): Pressed relentlessly and dominated midfield areas. Outstanding display.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10): Showed better energy and positioning than recent games.
Florian Wirtz (8/10): Linked play smoothly and won many duels.
Hugo Ekitike (9/10): Scored twice and led the attack brilliantly. Man of the Match.
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah (7/10): Came on lively and assisted Ekitike’s second goal.
Alexander Isak (N/A): Had limited involvement late on.
Andy Robertson (N/A): Showed energy in a wide role.
Federico Chiesa (N/A): Created a late chance with his passing.