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Brighton 2 – 2 Liverpool – PL Player Ratings

Match day eight began for the reds, after watching Tottenham move to the top of the league with twenty hard earned points. With the 2nd tie of the Europa League group stage won, a trip to the American Express Stadium awaited the 4th placed Premier League side.

 

Alisson Becker – 6.0

A rare midweek performance in the Europa League was always going to be a less busy occasion than this encounter. Was caught out for the first goal, as poor positioning meant that half the net was left open. The next period of the game was routine for the Brazilian, however, he was left with no chance for the late equaliser.

 

Trent Alexander Arnold – 6.0

Started as the hybrid that played almost exclusively as a double six. Struggled at times to control patterns of play, yet showed good endeavour to fight through a tactically tense first half. Was a good comeback start for the England international, who should be getting plenty of game time for his country next week.

 

Subbed – 80 mins

 

Andy Robertson – 4.0

The energetic Scot was enjoying a renaissance in the first team, with an average first half outing that saw him fairly combative and intelligent in his defensive game. Unfortunately, his strange choice not to block or make contact with the equalising cross meant that two points were dropped. Was often wasteful with the ball in that second half.

 

Joel Matip – 6.0

Another start as the giant a Cameroonian who continues to maintain his place in the Premier League eleven. Was pushed wide too often in the first half, as the reds coaxed the home team onto them. Was good and diligent in his work as his team recovered from that early goal conceded.

 

Subbed – 73 mins

 

Virgil van Dijk – 6.0

The huge Dutchman has looked back to his best of late, yet that ability to be casual remains. His pass into midfield invited too much immediate pressure onto Alexis, which resulted in a breakaway and 1-0 score line. He was not his authoritative best in a weird game where most of his teammates mates all looked far too relaxed.

 

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0

The Hungarian skipper started with a tenacious desire to win, as his infectious body language and movement saw him roam the pitch looking for avenues to exploit. We need him to pitch in with more goals and assists, more frequently, however, the package right now looks on point.

 

Alexis Mac Allister – 4.0

I hoped that the Argentina player would be tasked into an attacking midfield position, as once again his deep lying issues prevailed themselves. With a lack of in possession strength, he gifted the first goal and the occasion against his former club seemed to adversely impact his game.

 

Harvey Elliott – 5.0

The young Englishman was the surprise option for Klopp, as he came into a reshuffled midfield for the suspended Curtis Jones. He was neat and tidy in a safe opening half display, yet that side of the pitch will always look defensively weak with him there.

Subbed – 45 mins

 

Luis Díaz – 4.0

The Colombian flyer was given freedom to exploit the Brighton rearguard, yet could offer nothing at all, as he continually gave the ball away and failed to interact with teammates. An off day for a ferocious talent.

 

Darwin N̼̱ez Р6.0

The unpredictable yet incredible Uruguayan striker started this game, with both Diogo Jota (suspended) and Cody Gakpo (injured) unavailable for this game. He was involved in the opening goal and looked like he might make something happen, however, it was a slightly underwhelming performance.

 

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King would have been desperate to get a goal involvement or two, after last weekend’s VAR debacle. His two goals reminded everyone just who he is and what he can offer. The first goal was clinical and the penalty was pure ice cool precision. Was a constant threat and the man of the match.

Subs;

 

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0 (on 45)

A steady second half and one that should have seen him take the score to 1-3.

 

Ibrahima Konat̩ Р5.0 (on 73)

The monstrous defensive piece looked clumsy, as it often does not work to start changing central defenders.

 

Joe Gomez – 6.0 (on 89)

Keen and committed.


The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 6.0

To the surprise of many, the German manager opted to replace Curtis Jones with Harvey Elliott instead of Ryan Gravenberch. The system meant that Alexis continued in that deeper midfield role, which was what led to the hosts opening goal. The manager would have been relieved to see his record scoring Egyptian scoring twice before the break, to take in a 1-2 scoreline.

The half time saw one change for Liverpool, as Ryan Gravenberch replaced Harvey Elliott. The gifted Dutchman should have ended the contest with an open goal gaping, he just could not quite control the rising effort which struck the bar and angled away. Unfortunately, he gave his team too much credit and instead of pushing for the winner, he saw his side give the win away after so much work to get ahead.

Needs to improve his decisions and game management.

 

Pre-match Prediction;

Brighton 1 – 3 Liverpool

 

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