PLAYER RATINGS: Alexis Mac Allister reminds old side Brighton what they’re missing with an inspired Liverpool display – but Darwin Nunez’s decision-making continues to frustrate
Liverpool have returned to the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s second half strike.
The Reds got their first win over a Seagulls side managed by Roberto De Zerbi, but were dealt an early blow with the visitors took the lead.
Danny Welbeck smashed home the opener inside the first two minutes of the game, before Luis Diaz pounced to draw the hosts level before the break.
Jurgen Klopp’s men launched a second half onslaught on the Brighton goal and were eventually rewarded when Mo Salah slotted home the winner to send Liverpool back to top spot.
Here, Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt has given his expert player ratings…
Mo Salah salutes the crowd after scoring the goal that sent Liverpool back to the top
Jurgen Klopp embraces a man linked with succeeding him next season in Roberto De Zerbi
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
Game had barely got going and his first action was to pick the ball out of his net. Could do absolutely nothing about Danny Welbeck’s opener. Pulled off a brilliant diving save to palm Lewis Dunk’s header away with 10 minutes to go.
Joe Gomez – 7
Set the tone early with a strong body-check on Tariq Lamptey. Got the better of the Brighton wide-man down the left. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5
Was livid when he was booked for a tug back of Carlos Baleba but he barely puts a foot wrong and today was no exception. Just one clean sheet in their last 12 at Anfield will concern him, though.
Virgil van Dijk was at his very best as he led by example in Liverpool’s win over Brighton
Jarrell Quansah – 7.5
Found himself dragged in and out of position by the quick interplay of Simon Adingra and Danny Welbeck but showed his maturity to dominate thereafter. He’s a real asset when stepping up into midfield pockets.
Conor Bradley – 7
Loves to get forward and should have scored in a frantic first half where Liverpool managed 14 shots. Struggled early on to limit the influence of Adingra but grew into the contest and looked a constant threat.
Wataru Endo – 6
There’s a lot to like watching Endo given he rarely takes many of the headlines. Often dropped so deep he was creating a near-back three with Van Dijk and Quansah either side. Quarter-back of the side. Booked.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Neat and tidy but he can also be ponderous and his influence on this game was minimal for the most part.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8
Not that he needs much incentive but he looked well up for this one against his old club. Delivered a stunning through ball for Mohamed Salah to put Liverpool in front. Booked.
Alexis Mac Allister shows his old club what they are missing by being one of the standout stars
It was Luis Diaz who got his side back into the game with an equaliser before half time
Mo Salah was the man for Liverpool once again, scoring the second half winner for the Reds
Luis Diaz – 7.5
Reacted quickest to draw Liverpool level when Joel Veltman’s clearance spooned back into the six-yard box. A pest going up and down with his boundless energy and was millimetres away from grabbing his second, and Liverpool’s third, midway through the second half.
Darwin Nunez – 5.5
So frustrating in his decision making. Guilty of slowing the game down and having his pocket picked when there are options aplenty. Wanted a penalty early in the game but David Coote was having none of it.
Mohamed Salah – 7.5
Had seven shots in the first half – the joint most of any player in 45 minutes this season – in what was his his first Premier League start since New Year’s Day. Eventually got the goal his performance deserved. On another day he had a hat-trick.
Manager – Jurgen Klopp 7
Was furious with David Coote’s officiating but he did what he always does in whipping up a frenzy in the crowd for his players to feed off. As valuable as any of his stars out on the pitch.
SUBS
Harvey Elliott (for Darwin Nunez, 82) – 6
Cody Gakpo (for Luis Diaz, 88) – N/A
BRIGHTON (4-4-2)
Bart Verbruggen – 7
Irritated the home crowd within minutes for taking an age of every goal-kick. Appeared to be under strict instructions from his manager to embrace the dark arts. Ultimately wasn’t enough but he did add a stunning save to the highlight reel late on to deny Salah a second.
Pervis Estupiñán – 6
He’s a really effective ball carrier and did well in the lead up to the opening goal but switched off for Liverpool’s second in a costly lapse of concentration.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7
So composed even when Liverpool hunted him in packs with the high press. The 23-year-old will be on plenty of radars come the summer.
Lewis Dunk – 6
Didn’t have an international break to remember but was back on more familiar ground in the Premier League. Did his best to organise the back-line amid a Liverpool onslaught but surprised he could even hear himself think.
Lewis Dunk had another tricky afternoon following his international difficulties last week
Simon Adingra was one of Brighton’s biggest threats during their bright first half showing
Joel Veltman – 5.5
Luis Diaz had the beating of him and it didn’t help that Lamptey in front was offering limited support. Will have been glad to have got on the coach home.
Simon Adingra – 7
Brilliant run that carved out the opportunity for the opener and a constant menace. Looks the best bet to be Brighton’s next mega-money sale.
Carlos Baleba – 6.5
A willing runner and he breaks the lines really well. Along with Groß, he didn’t get on top of Mac Allister though and that was the difference in the contest
Pascal Groß – 6
Booked for a high boot on Mac Allister and found Brighton overrun in a frantic atmosphere. Never an easy assignment in these parts.
Tariq Lamptey – 5
Pushed forward in a more advanced role, he got little change out of Joe Gomez and offered little support to Veltman behind him to nullify the menacing Luis Diaz. Was first to be withdrawn.
Jakub Moder – 6
A big physical presence but he faded as the game wore on. Got bested by Van Dijk after an initial early flourish.
Danny Welbeck – 7.5
Super goal to break the deadlock after 84 seconds on what was his 100th Premier League appearance for Brighton. Such a useful asset for Roberto De Zerbi, even at 33. Booked.
Danny Welbeck stunned Anfield with a goal inside the first two minutes for Brighton
It was the first time Roberto De Zerbi has suffered defeat to Liverpool as Brighton boss
Manager – Roberto De Zerbi – 6
Found himself on the pitch on more than one occasion with his jack-in-the-box behaviour in his technical area. He’s a fascinating watch but didn’t adapt on the fly to Liverpool’s increasing dominance.
SUBS
Facundo Buonanotte (for Tariq Lamptey, 69) – 6
Evan Ferguson (for Jakub Moder, 83) – 5
Adam Lallana (for Simon Adingra, 83) – 6.5
Valentin Barco (for Pervis Estunpinan, 91) – N/A
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