Liverpool Player Ratings vs Brighton: Alisson and Firmino the positives in high-scoring Anfield affair
The last time a player scored a hat-trick against Liverpool was in the 2020/21 season. Ollie Watkins scored three past Adrian in a 7-2 thumping of the Reds at Villa Park. At Anfield, Andrei Arshavin was the last person who scored a hat trick back in 2009. Leonardo Trossard of Brighton and Hove Albion is now the latest player to score a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield.
3-3 at full time comprising of a Roberto Firmino brace for the Reds and an own goal from Adam Webster. But in another setback for Jurgen Klopp’s side, Liverpool lost more points. They now lie ninth on the table and have a mountain to climb this season.
Here are the Liverpool Player Ratings.
Alisson Becker: 8/10
It could have been a cricket score if Alisson Becker was not at his best. Even though the Brazilian conceded three, he saved three as well. He is a fantastic keeper, but in the ideal situation, he should not have been given much of a task. The wobbly defence led to tough circumstances for the Brazilian and he largely kept Liverpool in the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 4/10
Defensively all over the place. Fans would have expected him to prove Gareth Southgate wrong in not picking him for the England team, but it was not the best of games from the Scouser. While he almost scored from a free-kick late in the game, Robert Sanchez denied Trent an opportunity to redeem himself.
Joel Matip: 7/10
Probably the calmest player on the ball for Liverpool all game. Good pressing, advanced up the pitch during the odd attack. Defensively good as well. Strong in one-v-one duels as well. Overall a decent game from Matip.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Had a few good moments in the middle of the game, blocking a few shots here and there. Was responsible for Brighton’s third goal with the cross going through his legs for Trossard at the back post to slot the ball past the keeper. A spell on the bench could do him good.
Kostas Tsimikas: 6/10
Not the best of games for the ‘Greek Scouser’ who won just one of his ground duels. He was better going forward, and created a goalscoring opportunity that went begging. Nevertheless, saw himself come off the pitch around the hour mark for James Milner.
Fabinho: 4/10
The Brazilian looked weak during the transition. Defensively in good shape, winning most of his duels but could not find the right passes to progress the play. One could argue he was very casual with his game on the day.
Thiago Alcantara: 6/10
Solid play from the Spanish wizard whose return is welcome news for the Reds. It is difficult to rate the former Barcelona man as he was too good in phases, but the rest of the team was probably not on the same wavelength. Six fouls on the player who recently came off injury. Cut him some slacks Seagulls.
Jordan Henderson: 5/10
The skipper’s first game after his injury vs Newcastle United and it would have been in Liverpool’s best interests to leave him out. Subbed off at the hour mark, Captain Hendo at this point should not be a guaranteed starter for Liverpool. A spell on the benches could be in order unless things improve fast.
Fabio Carvalho: 5/10
The 20-year-old started at LW and he impressed sporadically. With the team off-balance, Fabio was not in the picture at all and saw himself taken off after just 45 minutes.
Roberto Firmino: 7.5/10
Liverpool’s best player in the outfield. Extremely quick to react to Brighton’s brace. A goal on either side of the 45-minute mark. He scored an excellent second goal and showed great composure. He is now Liverpool’s highest goalscorer this season.
Mohamed Salah: 4/10
Overall a good performance from Salah. He was smart to find Firmino for Liverpool’s first goal and was defensively solid rushing back. One could have expected him to score as it feels like ages since the Egyptian King last scored in the league.
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Substitutes
Luis Diaz: 7/10
Appeared like a man on a mission. Unparalleled work rates and was unselfish in squaring the ball to Firmino who was in a better position to score Liverpool’s second goal of the night.
James Milner: 4/10
Got dribbled past at LB, and lost the ball right in front of the goal. Lost all his ground duels as well. And lost the respect of most Liverpool fans after that shocking performance.
Harvey Elliott: 5/10
While he was good in possession, his limited defensive role on the right side of midfield made matters worse for Trent, who was already stumbling.
Diogo Jota: 6/10
15 minutes of game time. 10 touches, six passes. Provided a different spark in attack since he came on.
Darwin Nune: N/A
The Uruguayan did not play enough minutes to warrant a review.
