Federico Chiesa dominated the first 10 minutes of this contest without touching the ball. Indeed, the Italian can have no doubts about his popularity, with his name being sung repeatedly by the away end throughout the opening stages of the game.
And with [Arne Slot](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc) insisting this week that the 27-year-old can have a long-term future at Liverpool, this was an opportunity to repay the support of his manager and those singing his name by showing them the qualities that made him one of the most exciting talents in Serie A just a few short years ago.
But so few and far between have been his opportunities that the Italian simply has to make them count when they do arrive.
There's nothing wrong with his work rate, with Chiesa regularly appearing in his own half to make tackles and clearances. [Yet it was his fortunes at the other end that will raise questions.](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-player-ratings-federico-chiesa-31677809)
In his only real contribution of note in the first half, a chance to shoot was passed up when he chose to pick out Conor Bradley in the area, who duly put the opportunity wide.
One scuffed shot aside, the Italian all but disappeared in the second half, replaced by another popular player in Darwin Nunez after the hour mark. He was no more visible. Interesting times lie ahead for both men.
**Szoboszlai experiment succeeds**
There was always going to be a degree of trial and error to Arne Slot's team selections after Liverpool wrapped up the Premier League title last month against Tottenham.
And as it turned out, the experimental nature of Liverpool's line-up should mean it was no surprise that Brighton got 11 shots away in the first half, even if the Reds did go into the break with the lead. A further 10 efforts followed for the hosts in the second period as their pressure paid off but Slot may have learned a thing or two from the contest.
Indeed, Dominik Szoboszlai's use in a deeper midfield role hinted at the Dutchman exploring the versatility of his midfield options, while ahead of him, Harvey Elliott was starting for only the second time this term.
It was Szoboszlai's battle with the impressive Brajan Gruda which shaped much of the contest, with neither man giving any quarter in midfield. The Hungarian left his mark on the match, though. It was his sweeping pass that sent Conor Bradley scampering away to set up the opener and he notched Liverpool's second goal with a cross that sailed past Bart Verbruggen.
Further encouragement could be found with more longer range passes and deft touches, though the 24-year-old was, at times, guilty of being a little slack with his passing.
With some suggestions online that the line-up was one designed to accommodate a player such as the sought after Florian Wirtz, Szoboszlai was able to show the versatility valued so highly by the Liverpool head coach.
**More records but poor run continues**
Liverpool completed the set against Brighton, scoring in all 19 away matches this season, with Nottingham Forest the only English top flight side to keep a clean sheet against the Reds throughout the whole campaign.
The Reds also set a new Premier League record of netting two or more goals in 31 games.
It speaks volumes to the away improvements demanded and delivered by Slot when assessing his new team in the summer, with their form on the road and ability to threaten across the pitch the backbone of their title charge.
And while it's now three matches without victory since the championship was secured, it was hard to tell judging by the party going on in the away end, with the Liverpool supporters working their way through the songbook as they enjoyed their day out at the seaside.
It will remain a source of frustration, however, that Liverpool left successive games in which they have led slip, with Arsenal and now Brighton benefitting from their slackness.
The celebrations will continue on Sunday when FA Cup winners Crystal Palace visit Anfield before the Premier League trophy is lifted, but a win to cap off the season on a high would be most welcome for the champions.