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 returned to the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield thanks to Mohamed Salah’s second-half goal.
The Reds recorded their first win over a Seagulls side led by Roberto De Zerbi, but were dealt an early blow as the visitors took the lead.
Danny Welbeck scored the opener within the first two minutes of the match, before Luis Diaz struck to bring the home side level before half-time.
Jurgen Klopp’s men launched an attack on the Brighton goal in the second half and were ultimately rewarded when Mo Salah netted the winner to send Liverpool back into top spot.
Here, Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt has given his expert player ratings…
Mo Salah greets the crowd after scoring the goal that sent Liverpool back to the top
Jürgen Klopp embraces a man who will succeed him next season in Roberto De Zerbi
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Caoimhin Kelleher-7
The game had barely started and his first action was to grab the ball from his net. Couldn’t do absolutely anything about Danny Welbeck’s opener. With ten minutes to go he made a brilliant diving save to clear Lewis Dunk’s header.
Joe Gomez-7
Set the tone early with a powerful body check from Tariq Lamptey. I got the better one from the wide man from Brighton on the left. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5
Was furious when he was booked for a Carlos Baleba tug, but he hardly put a step wrong and today was no exception. However, just one clean sheet in their last 12 at Anfield will worry him.
Virgil van Dijk was at his very best as he led by example in Liverpool’s win over Brighton
Jarrell Quansah-7.5
He was dragged in and out of position by the rapid interplay of Simon Adingra and Danny Welbeck, but then showed his maturity to dominate. He is a real asset when he makes the transition to midfield.
Conor Bradley-7
Likes to get forward and should have scored in a frenetic first half that saw Liverpool score 14 shots. Struggled early on to limit Adingra’s influence, but grew into the fray and looked a constant threat.
Wataru Endo-6
There’s a lot to like about Endo, as he rarely makes much of the headlines. He often dropped so low that he created a three at the back, with Van Dijk and Quansah on either side. Quarter-back of the side. Booked.
Dominik Szoboszlai-5
Neat and tidy, but he can also be unwieldy and his influence on this game was minimal for the most part.
Alexis MacAllister-8
Not that he needs much incentive, but he looked good against his old club. Delivered a beautiful through ball for Mohamed Salah to give Liverpool the lead. Booked.
Alexis Mac Allister is showing his old club what they are missing by being one of the standout stars
It was Luis Diaz who managed to get his team back into the match with an equalizer just before half-time
Mo Salah was the man for Liverpool again, scoring the second-half winner for the Reds
Luis Diaz – 7.5
Reacted quickest to bring Liverpool level when Joel Veltman’s ball found its way back into the six-yard box. A pest who went up and down with his boundless energy and was millimeters 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 down the game and allowing his pocket to be picked when there are plenty of options. Wanted a penalty early in the match, but David Coote didn’t feel like it.
Mohammed Salah – 7.5
Had seven shots in the first half – the most by any player in 45 minutes this season – in what was his first Premier League start since New Year’s Day. In the end, he got the goal his performance deserved. On another day he had a hat-trick.
Manager – Jurgen Klopp 7
Was furious with David Coote’s direction, but he did what he always does: whipped up a frenzy in the crowd for his players to feed off. Just as valuable as all his stars on the field.
SUBS
Harvey Elliott (for Darwin Nunez, 82) – 6
Cody Gakpo (for Luis Diaz, 88) – N/A
BRIGHTON (4-4-2)
Bart Verbruggen-7
Annoyed the home crowd within minutes as it took an age from every goal kick. It seemed that he was given strict instructions by his manager to embrace the dark arts. Ultimately that wasn’t enough, but he did add a stunning highlight-reel save later on to deny Salah a second.
Pervis Estupiñán-6
He is a very effective ball carrier and did well in the build-up to the opening goal, but retired for Liverpool’s second goal due to a costly lapse of concentration.
Jan Paul van Hecke-7
So composed, even when Liverpool were chasing him with the high press. The 23-year-old will be on many radars this summer.
Lewis Dunk-6
I didn’t have an international break to remember, but I was back on more familiar territory in the Premier League. Did his best to organize the backline amid Liverpool attack but was amazed he could even hear himself think.
Lewis Dunk had another difficult afternoon after his international problems last week
Simon Adingra was one of the biggest threats for Brighton during their brilliant first-half performance
Joël Veltman – 5.5
Luis Diaz took a beating and it didn’t help that Lamptey provided limited support up front. Must have been glad he got on the bus home.
Simon Adingra-7
Brilliant run that provided opportunities for the opener and a constant threat. It seems like the best bet to be the next mega money sale in Brighton.
Carlos Baleba – 6.5
A willing runner and he breaks the lines very well. However, together with Groß he could not beat Mac Allister and that was the difference in the match
Pascal Gross-6
Booked for a high boot on Mac Allister and found Brighton engulfed in a frenetic atmosphere. Never an easy task in these parts.
Tariq Lamptey-5
He was pushed forward into a more advanced role, receiving little change from Joe Gomez and offering little support to Veltman behind him to nullify the menacing Luis Diaz. Was the first to be withdrawn.
Jakub Moder-6
A great physical presence, but he faded as the game went on. Was beaten by Van Dijk after an initial early flourish.
Danny Welbeck-7.5
Super goal to break the deadlock after 84 seconds in his 100th Premier League appearance for Brighton. Such a useful signing for Roberto De Zerbi, even at the age of 33. Booked.
Danny Welbeck stunned Anfield with a goal in the opening two minutes for Brighton
It was the first time that Roberto De Zerbi suffered a defeat against Liverpool as Brighton boss
Manager – Roberto De Zerbi – 6
Was on the field more than once with his jack-in-the-box behavior in technical areas. He’s a fascinating watch, but he hasn’t been able to adapt straight away 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