Liverpool moved into the top four of the Premier League after a 2-0 victory over Brighton. Two first half goals were enough to give the Merseysiders the win. An own goal from Pascal Gross and a close range finish from Alexander Isak was enough despite a spirited fightback in the second half from the seagulls.

Story of the Match

Andoni Iraola opted for two changes from the victory against Brentford with Cody Gakpo replacing Vitor Munoz on the wing. Ryan Gravenberch replaced the injured Dominik Szobszai in midfield and Alexander Isak continued to lead the line with Florian Wirtz providing support. Rio Ngumoha took his place on the bench despite a good performance against Villarreal in the UFEA Champions League.

Fabian Hurzeler unsurprisingly opted for an unchanged team after the 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace last week. Striker Charalampos Kostoulas remained upfront with Yasin Ayari to provide the creative spark. Diego Gomez retained his place after his goal of the season contender strike from the half-way. Pascal Gross and Chema Andres continued in the pivot in midfield.

Liverpool started very bright with an energy and intensity not allowing Brighton to settle with the seagulls having to whether the early storm. Cody Gakpo had the first sight off goal but his shot was straight down the throat of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Despite the early pressure Brighton should of taken the lead after some neat link up play that cut Liverpool open, Pascal Gross squared the ball back to Yasin Ayari but he blasted over the bar with Alisson out of his goal.

Brighton would shortly pay for missing that chance soon after on 17 minutes when after some good work for Ronald Arajo down the right wing, he played the ball into Florian Wirtz who dragged his shot which looked to be going wide but was deflected into the net by Gross.

Liverpool doubled their lead four minutes later when defender Oliver Boscagi failed to clear his lines, was closed down by Bradley Barcola who charged down the right wing and then played the ball in Alexander Isak who fired in from close range.

Brighton could have reduced the deficit going into half time but after Liverpool got caught out playing out from the back, Ayari’s shot had Allison beat on but smashed the base of post on its way out.

Brighton dominate possession in second half

Brighton started the second half with a purpose and vigour to try and get back into the game, Luka Vuskovic firing over the bar from a free kick after Wirtz brought down Ayari. The Seagullsbegan to get their foot on the ball, dominate possession and dictate the flow of the game with more touches in the opposition box but failed to really test Liverpool goalkeeper Allison with anything meaningful.

Ayari fired wide after good work from Maxim De Cuyper to get into the box while Brighton still continued to dominate proceedings. Gakpo attempted to catch Brighton out on the counter attack when he galloped into space down the right wing but failed to pick out Isak in front of goal. The Seagulls continued to look good on the ball but failed to capitalise once in attacking positions and create any solid chances. The Reds attempted to kill the game off when Barcola dragged a shot wide after been fed by Ryan Gravenberch and Gakpo blasted over late on. Liverpool held on despite Brighton controlling much of the second half recording 64 percent possession but with only one shot on target over the 90 minutes, the seagulls had an off day in front of goal. Fabian Hurzeler will be disappointed with the defeat but will take pride in how his side performed in the second half and will be eager to see an improved attacking display next week.

Player of the match

Bradley Barcola

Did very well to set up Isak for his goal and was a handful all afternoon. Did everything but score.