Brighton & Hove Albion’s late surge at Anfield was not enough for Chris Hughton’s side as Liverpool registered their third successive victory at the start of the current Premier League season. The Seagulls were set up to defend for most parts of the game but Liverpool breached their backline less than 25 minutes into the game, as Mohamed Salah’s exquisite finish gave the hosts a lead midway through the first half.
They came close on a couple of occasions in the game but failed to find the back of the net again and Hughton’s men decided to give it their all, in the last 15 minutes, which almost fetched the visitors something from this game. The Reds needed a smart save from Alisson Becker late on to preserve all three points. They remain the only club yet to concede and have now moved to the top of the table. Here are the player ratings for the home side in this hard-fought victory:
Alisson Becker (7):
Had one nervous moment but was calm and composed for most of the game and made a match-winning save late in the game, helping himself to another clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8):
Was caught out of position just once all game and was a real nuisance for the Brighton backline most of the game with his crosses and elegant passes from the right flank. Hit the bar with a free-kick and could have easily had a goal for himself.
Joe Gomez (7):
Hardly put a foot wrong all game, and seems to have solved Liverpool’s defensive issues in the absence of Dejan Lovren.
Virgil van Dijk (7):
Made a couple of errors but none causing any damage. Otherwise, made light work of Murray and did well to keep his side organized for the entire game.
Andrew Robertson (7):
Hardly gave the visitors any space down his flank and was also involved in most attacks down his wing on yet another impressive outing for the lad.
Georginio Wijnaldum (8):
With a passing success rate of 99% to add to four tackles, three shots and two key passes, the Dutch international was crucial for Liverpool, retaining control of the game in the middle of the park.
James Milner (7):
Was in the thick of the action for the entire duration, making crunching tackles continuously, and putting in shift good enough to win his side the game.
Naby Keita (6):
A quiet game by his standards as he failed to create any chance of note, but his composure on the ball was important for Liverpool to retain possession for long periods.
Mohamed Salah (7):
Took six shots, just two on target, but Salah scored with an instinctive finish after being set up by Firmino, scoring in his 12th consecutive game at Anfield, emerging as the match winner yet again.
Roberto Firmino (6):
Dropped deep often to help in the build-up play and his touches and flicks just outside the box posed a threat to the Brighton backline. Picked up the assist for Salah’s goal, his second this season but will now want to start getting on the scoresheet himself.
Sadio Mane (6):
A quiet day in the office for the Senegalese winger, where nothing came off. He had a passing success rate of less than 70% and was subbed off at the hour mark to help Liverpool see out the game.
Subs:
Jordan Henderson (6):
Gave Liverpool a degree of control in the game and also made a couple of crucial tackles and clearances late on.
Daniel Sturridge (N/A)
Joel Matip (N/A)
