Someone needs to go tell these Liverpool players that it is possible to win games by a scoreline other than 2-1. It was, though, another massive win in the Premier League for the Reds, as Brighton were seen off at Anfield, thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s first-half brace. Alisson Becker’s red card and Lewis Dunk’s goal made it a nervy final few minutes.
Here’s how each player fared
Alisson Becker – 4/10
He made a couple of decent saves but that game will be remembered for the stupid error he made to get sent off. Will miss the Merseyside Derby now.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
Two superb deliveries for the goals. Rather solid defensively. Another superb day at work for the right-back, who just seems to keep being a match-winner.
Dejan Lovren – 7/10
Troubled by Connolly a few times, got caught out by Trossard’s run in the lead-up to Alisson’s red card, which he should have tracked. Made some big interventions and interceptions otherwise.
Virgil van Dijk – 9/10
Two superb headers, and just another day for our Rolls Royce at the back. He never got beaten by Connolly or Trossard, and could’ve had a hat-trick if his chest-down had not been charged down by Dunk.
Andy Robertson – 6/10
He was energetic and got up and down the flank as usual. But, he was troubled defensively, by Brighton’s overloads. Montoya, Propper and Mooy got on the flank, but Mané and Wijnaldum were slow to come back to help Robertson out.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
He’s not Fabinho for sure. But there were some good moments when he tracked some late runs from Brighton’s midfielders. But his passing wasn’t very good.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
He was energetic in the press, but while going forward, he took way too much times. There was one occasion in the second half, when he could have squared the ball to Salah or Firmino, but ended up playing it just behind Mané.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 4/10
He was terrible before the break, giving the ball away on numerous occasions. Got much better post the break, and could have scored if not for a heroic block from Dunk.
Mohamed Salah – 5/10
He tried to get involved. But he was well marshalled by Dan Burn, but he didn’t help himself with some of his touches.
Sadio Mané – 6/10
Was a constant outlet for the Reds on the left flank, but he couldn’t really produce enough quality in the final third. Should’ve been used a lot more for his pace to get Liverpool out of pressure, especially after the red card.
Roberto Firmino – 5/10
Like Salah, he was well marshalled by the Brighton rearguard. Was denied by a superb save from Ryan in the first half, before Van Dijk’s first goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Adam Lallana – 5/10
He barely touched the ball, after coming on. His role was mainly to press on the right flank, after the Reds switched to 4-4-1 with the ten men.
Divock Origi – N/A
Barely touched the ball, even as he could barely win any of the long punts up front.
Adrian San Miguel – 5/10
He was caught out by Dunk’s clever free-kick. Made a good save off a Mooy shot. And was almost embarrassed when he nearly fluffed catching a straightforward header.
I feel for you Adrian. While watching you scream at your wall to move left, they wouldn’t move worse yet the captain is there barking orders to the wall and not listening to you. Truth be told if he shuts up and listens the wall moves and it may have saved a goal and a clean sheet.