Liverpool 2-0 Brighton
Premier League (16) | Anfield
December 13, 2025
Goals: Ride 1′, 60′
Alisson – 8 (out of 10)
Made an important early save, one-on-one, on a Diego Gomez shot. It was a big chance for the Brighton man, but Alisson kept the score at 1-0.
Always looking for attacking threats with his passing, and did so on a few occasions, especially when Salah provided an outlet on the right.
Joe Gomez – 7
Used as a goalkeeper on the right when the team tried to move the ball from the back.
Effective in more attacking areas, setting up the goal with a header and creating a good chance for Ekitike from the byline.
Was arguably the team’s best player before leaving injured to be replaced by Salah.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Made a good recovering block when Minteh had found a way behind the backline, and another towards the end of the first half from Diego Gomez.
It didn’t always look completely controlled, but he did enough when needed, and the ‘Ibou’ chants were back at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Only Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has made more defensive contributions than Van Dijk this season, so the Dutchman was perhaps pleased with a relatively quiet afternoon.
There were still moments of danger from Brighton’s attacks, but most of that was due to a lack of cover in midfield.
Milos Kerkez-8
A quick throw-in in the build-up to the goal was the key to keeping Brighton in the background at that point.
Had his hands full against Yankuba Minteh and was defeated a few times, but gave 100% in every challenge and gave as good as he could.
Later in the match he made some really good interventions in one of his most confident performances in red.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Must find the balance between joining the backline and filling gaps in midfield when defending in Slot’s system.
There was one occasion where there was a big gap between midfield and defence, and while this wasn’t solely Gravenberch’s fault, it is the kind of space he needs to ensure he is always ready to fill.
Improved as the game progressed.
Dominik Szoboszlai-7
One of Liverpool’s most valuable players at the moment, along with Jones. He showed his versatility by moving to right-back after Gomez went off injured.
A constant threat in attack, whether passing or possibly from long range, even if his shots didn’t go off on this occasion.
The hope will be that there are no concerns about his late knock, and this is the first time this season that he has not completed the full 90 minutes when he started.
Curtis Jones – 9
Good early pressure from the ball set the tone for the early goal.
Was very tidy in midfield from then on and worked hard without the ball, regularly using string shots to close people down and track them back.
Van Dijk congratulated him on a special moment of recovery in defence.
Continued to impress when later moved to the right wing, dropping to right back for the last ten.
Alexis MacAllister – 6
Started the game in a more advanced role from possession and joined Ekitike in the forward line when pressing the opposition.
He remained relatively advanced even as the team’s shape changed with Salah’s arrival, and when the wind was taken out of his sails late on with a stiff challenge.
Still not at his best in 2024/25, but it was an improvement on other performances this season.
Florian Wirtz – 8
Well connected, starting from the left and coming inwards.
Showed some moments of class and felt very comfortable in the team on this occasion. According to FotMob, he won nine of his 12 games – the second most of any player – and made the most recoveries (nine) of any outfielder.
Is one last touch or completed dribble away from doing real damage.
Hugo Ekitike – 9 (Man of the Match)
He took the early goal well, as he was unlikely to expect such an opportunity so early in the match.
Shortly afterwards he had another decent chance, but Gomez’s pass came to him a little too quickly for him to gain sufficient control of the shot.
Hard to put your finger on exactly why, but he just plays like a Liverpool striker and fits in well with this team. Helps defensively, also at set pieces, but also during attack.
Shot over after a dangerous break in Liverpool and shortly afterwards played a poor pass between Salah and Mac Allister, but made up for it by heading into Salah’s corner. Two goals from seven shots!
Overall team performance – 8
Substitutes
Mohamed Salah (on for Gomez, 26′) – 7 – On to loud cheering and immediate involvement. I want to pass more than shoot. Place one on a plate so Ekitike can head home from a corner. Had a late chance to score from Chiesa’s cross, but shot over.
Alexander Isak (up for Ekitike, 78′) – N/A – Only had six touches.
Andy Robertson (up for Wirtz, 78′) – N/A – Came on as a left winger in a 4-4-2 for Kerkez and looked eager to help set up Salah.
Federico Chiesa (in for Szoboszlai, 83′) – N/A – Set up Salah for a chance to make it 3-0 in extra time. Made some good contributions in his short time on the field.
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Ramsay, Ngumoha, Lucky
Arne Slot – 8
All attention turned to Salah’s situation and he started the match on the bench. Back in the team at least, but not in the team.
Right-back Calvin Ramsay opted to come off the bench with Salah rather than make a reservation, and it worked.
Later in the match, when Liverpool were 2-0 up, numerous changes were made, with many players playing out of position, but somehow it worked.
Bigger tests lie ahead, but these were three important points to achieve, and Slot achieved them well.
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