Liverpool weren’t brilliant but they didn’t succumb to the pressure of being league leaders. The Reds had lost their previous two games and Brighton away was never going to be easy.
The Reds bossed possession from the first minute and although we played with Fabinho alongside Virgil van Dijk, there were only minor moments where we were troubled.
We had over 70% possession in the game but there weren’t many clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Seagulls side.
Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri missed the best chances before Mohamed Salah won a penalty in the second half.
The Egyptian smashed it home to give us a lead that we did not look like losing. The win gave us a buffer of seven points before Manchester City’s game on Monday and proved we still can grind out results after a bit of a blip.
There were some quality performances against the Seagulls and here are the player ratings for the Reds.
Alisson – 7/10
The Brazilian had one quality save from Jurgen Locadia that was a highlight and commanded his box well for another clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
The English youngster provided a scare where it seemed he picked up an injury before the game. However, he was fit enough to start and had one quality cross that should have resulted in a goal.
Fabinho – 8/10
This could have been a weak point for us but the Brazilian did really well and he had some quality blocks too.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.5/10
Another game, another impressive performance from Van Dijk. He barely put a foot wrong and seems brilliant irrespective of who plays alongside him.
Andy Robertson – 8/10
The Scot was a bundle of energy as he played high up the pitch and had some delicious crosses which were out of reach for our attackers.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
The captain started and did a decent job with his passing. However, for all his ability, he didn’t actually cut open the Brighton team often, which was a requirement today.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7/10
The Dutch midfielder did his bit of moving about and providing energy to the team but there was a lack of creativity that we needed badly.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 7/10
The attacker was played out on the right and often was used as the creative outlet for the Reds. However, this wasn’t Shaqiri’s night as he missed a glorious chance to score in the first half.
Sadio Mane – 6.5/10
The Senegal star had a decent enough game but it just was not his evening at the Amex as he struggled to produce something in front of goal.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Firmino should have scored early on but he was full of running for the team, and that doesn’t tell the entire story of how much effort he put in.
Mohamed Salah – 8.5/10
The Egyptian led the line and did a great job for us after a slow first half. The attacker won the penalty and scored, and was a threat against the Seagulls.
Substitutes
James Milner – 6/10
Provided Salah with a chance to score a second but it was not to be. The Englishman gave the Reds some energy after coming on.
Naby Keita – NA
A late sub to take some seconds off the clock.
Read more: Out-of-favour Liverpool defender set for exit after failed contract extension talks
Divock Origi – NA
Came on late in the game to kill time.
