Liverpool made hard work of things after a lightning start at the Amex Stadium, as they beat Brighton 3-1 thanks to a brace from Mohamed Salah. It was the Egyptian who gave Liverpool the lead, before the skipper Jordan Henderson doubled it a couple of minutes later.
Brighton grew into the game for the rest of the first half, and deservedly pulled a goal back through Leandro Trossard, but Salah’s header off an Andy Robertson corner sealed the points for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Here’s how each player fared.
Alisson Becker – 6/10
Made a great save to smother a Maupay shot in the first half. Had a couple of indecisive moments in the second half, which is unlike him, but no damage was done.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5/10
Pinged some sweet diagonals in the first half. But his crossing in the final third was hardly on par with his usual standards.
Joe Gomez – 4/10
He was troubled by Trossard and Maupay in the space between him and Trent. Was lucky not to receive further action for an unnecessary pull on Trossard, and then went into the book for unceremoniously taking Connolly down. He’s had better games than that.
Virgil van Dijk – 8/10
Majestic. Imperious. Calm as you like. Happy Birthday, Virg.
Neco Williams – 5/10
He started off full of confidence with some terrific gusto down the left, but soon was bullied by Lamptey’s pace. Should be given some sympathy playing on his unnatural side on his first league start, though.
Jordan Henderson – 8/10
Was outstanding in marshalling the midfield through most of the game. Also took his goal ridiculously well. Could’ve had a second with couple of opportunities in the second half, but it wasn’t to be.
Gini Wijnaldum – 5/10
After an error-strewn first half, where he gave the ball away far too often for anyone’s liking, he calmed down and brought the Reds more control in the second, especially after Fabinho’s introduction.
Naby Keita – 9/10
Created both the early goals with his desire and pressing, earning himself an assist for Salah’s goal. His pressing high up the field was top notch, and it was invariably those moments that led to the Reds getting shots away at Matt Ryan’s goal.
Mohamed Salah – 9/10
Another brace, 100 goal contributions in the Premier League for Liverpool, and still hunting down a third straight Golden Boot. But amidst that, his reaction to missing the header right at the end summed it up – he wants goals, he gets goals.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
As usual, some neat touches and good link-up play. But he needs something to stick in front of goal – a moment of inspiration, ridiculous fortune, something.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 4/10
Poor. He didn’t influence the game an awful lot going forward, and really was a non-entity in tracking back to help Williams out against Lamptey.
SUBSTITUTES
Andy Robertson – 7/10
Calmed things down straightaway, after replacing Williams at half-time, with Lamptey being a lot less involved for Brighton. Also assisted Salah’s second goal, and could’ve had another if the Egyptian had kept his last minute header down.
Fabinho – 6/10
Replaced Keita to shore things up in midfield, and got in another solid 30 minutes of action under the belt.
Sadio Mané – 5/10
A weird performance. He gave the ball away plenty of times, but when he ran at Lamptey, he always looked a threat, and created decent openings.
James Milner – N/A
Replaced Henderson late on.
Takumi Minamino – N/A
Could’ve had his first league goal for the club, but was brushed off the ball far too easily.
