Liverpool 2 – 0 Brighton
The Premier League’s return saw the Reds host Brighton, as the Champions League win over Inter needed to be transitioned into their domestic form.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian stopper was clinical early on with his solid save to keep the opposition out. Solid distribution was needed to keep the reds pushing out with urgency.
Joe Gomez – 7.0
The England fullback was a creative fulcrum and the assist was perfectly timed before he left the field with an injury
Subbed – 26 mins
Milos Kerkez – 7.0
The Hungarian international was very good and had yet another fine outing at fullback. Whether as a facilitator of attacks or of resistance, he matured further with a polished performance.
Ibrahima Konat̩ Р7.0
The French international defender was powerful and assertive as he played another consistent game.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team were commanding and authoritative against a quick and vibrant opponent.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0
The Hungarian skipper was in fine form and strode around the pitch with purpose, even when shifted to full back.
Subbed – 83 mins
Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0
The Dutch midfielder was diligent and well placed to stop counters. Though he struggled with progression as he again took too many touches.
Curtis Jones – 8.0
The England international was very good and productive again, as he thrived amongst a raft of midfielders built to swarm and overrun the opposition.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was a good conductor and progressive piece as he floated in and around the midfield area.
Hugo Ekitike – 9.0
The French attacker was electric and clinical as he once again walked off with a brace of goals. With movement and desire matched by brilliance in finishing, the former PSG star rightly took the game’s plaudits.
Subbed – 78 mins
Man of the Match
Florian Wirtz – 7.0
The German attacker was a fine conduit for the attack as he revived in that half-space. Another show of good link-up and a step towards his true and consistent level.
Subbed – 78 mins
Substitutions;
Mohamed Salah – 7.0 (on 26)
Came on to assist a goal and perhaps bid his farewells.
Andy Robertson – 7.0 (on 78)
Came on.
Alexander Isak – 7.0 (on 78)
Came on.
Federico Chiesa – 7.0 (on 83)
Came on.
The Manager:
Arne Slot – 8.0
The Dutch head coach was selective in his selection and resisted the chance to recall Mohamed Salah.
The substitutions were soon able to alter that decision as Joe Gomez succumbed to injury.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 3 – 1 Brighton
