Liverpool 2-1 Brighton: Player Ratings and Tactical Analysis from a Crucial Comeback Victory

Liverpool players rallied from a challenging first half to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton at Anfield, a result that may prove pivotal in the title race. The match saw Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah find the net for Liverpool in the second half, overcoming a first-half deficit after Ferdi Kadioglu’s precise goal for Brighton.

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton

Premier League
Venue: Anfield
Date: November 2, 2024

Goals:

• Liverpool: Gakpo (69’), Salah (72’)
• Brighton: Kadioglu (14’)

Liverpool Player Ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7/10

Kelleher had limited responsibility for Brighton’s goal, as Kadioglu’s right-footed shot was perfectly placed, hitting the far post in a spot that was virtually unreachable. Nevertheless, he was crucial in maintaining the scoreline at 1-0 during Brighton’s dominant spell, making a significant save when Brighton carved through Liverpool’s defense. His performance provided a safety net for his teammates, who struggled defensively in the early phases of the game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10

Alexander-Arnold had a difficult start, showing some shaky passing and struggling with challenges. However, he improved in the second half, playing a more central role with Joe Gomez covering his defensive duties on the right. His efforts in the second half included solid defensive work against Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, who posed a consistent threat.

Virgil van Dijk – 6/10

Van Dijk was left in a difficult position when Brighton’s Yasin Ayari bypassed Liverpool’s press to set up Georginio Rutter, but his responsibilities mainly centered on organizing the backline. His defensive positioning was stable overall, though he did inadvertently collide with his teammate, Ibrahima Konate, and nearly Kostas Tsimikas in a hectic moment, hinting at some lack of communication in the defense.

Ibrahima Konate – 7/10

Konate started strong, making several successful challenges, including key interventions against Mitoma. He was Liverpool’s most convincing defender early on, adding a layer of resilience to their backline. Unfortunately, he was forced off at halftime due to injury, and Liverpool will hope this does not turn into a long-term absence.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6/10

Tsimikas, starting his second Premier League game of the season, had a mixed performance. He had trouble keeping up with Kadioglu, who lined up and executed Brighton’s opening goal. Nonetheless, Tsimikas redeemed himself with a critical block on Danny Welbeck from a well-executed Brighton set piece. His defensive contributions grew as the game progressed.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10

Mac Allister almost got Liverpool on the scoreboard with a strong header from a Gakpo cross early in the second half. However, defensively, he found himself out of position for Brighton’s goal and provided little cover for Tsimikas, echoing similar struggles from his previous performance against Arsenal. His strengths in close-quarters defense weren’t fully on display, and his overall impact was limited, even on the ball.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10

Gravenberch experienced defensive challenges and often found himself second-best in duels. This performance marked one of his weaker games defensively, although he improved later as the team collectively elevated their play. His control in possession was lacking, leaving Liverpool vulnerable in the midfield, particularly in the first half.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10

Szoboszlai displayed high work rate and did his best to compensate for defensive lapses from the deeper midfielders. Though not as prominent in attack as he has been in other games, he did play a role in Salah’s first big chance in the second half by winning a key header in the buildup. His industriousness was noticeable and crucial as Liverpool sought to regain control.

Mohamed Salah – 8/10 (Man of the Match)

Salah’s impact was felt immediately as he scored the decisive goal, receiving the ball from Curtis Jones and swiftly securing a lead. In the first half, Salah’s opportunities were limited, and he struggled to make the most of a few half-chances. His clinical finish for the second goal demonstrated his importance as Liverpool’s key player, stepping up to deliver when the team needed him most.

Darwin Nunez – 8/10

Nunez showcased impressive individual skill, breaking away on the halfway line to create his own chance and forcing Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, into a save. He demonstrated sharp awareness, delivering a clever flick to set up Salah, and his movement in the box helped distract Brighton defenders, allowing Gakpo’s cross to reach the far post. His performance was dynamic, adding creativity and unpredictability to Liverpool’s offense.

Cody Gakpo – 7/10

Gakpo nearly replicated his midweek strike by cutting inside from the left and attempting a shot, which narrowly missed the far post. Undeterred, he opted to cross on his next opportunity, and the ball slipped past everyone to level the scores, marking his first league goal of the season. His confidence and decision-making were key in helping Liverpool turn the game around.

Substitutes

Joe Gomez (for Konate, 46′) – 8/10

Gomez came on for the injured Konate and nearly scored immediately with a header from Tsimikas’ set piece, though he directed it straight at Verbruggen. He had another headed chance from a corner later in the game and contributed solidly on the defensive end during his 45 minutes on the field. If Konate remains sidelined, Gomez seems ready to step in effectively.

Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister, 66′) – 8/10

Jones provided the energy and defensive presence Liverpool needed, and his run and assist were instrumental in setting up Salah’s goal. His introduction was a game-changer as it reinvigorated the midfield and helped Liverpool regain control.

Luis Diaz (for Szoboszlai, 66′) – 7/10

Diaz’s arrival added another offensive layer as he joined Nunez in attack, creating new problems for Brighton’s defense. He eventually shifted to the left wing after Liverpool took the lead, where he continued to exert pressure and stretch Brighton’s backline.

Wataru Endo (for Nunez, 77′) – 7/10

Despite limited time on the pitch, Endo made his presence felt with three tackles, aiding Liverpool’s efforts to see out the game. His introduction showed trust in his defensive abilities, especially as the team aimed to protect their narrow lead.

Conor Bradley (for Salah, 90+1′) – N/A

Bradley won a critical foul right after coming on, providing Liverpool some much-needed respite as the clock wound down. His inclusion at this stage was a tactical move to help Liverpool maintain their defensive shape in stoppage time.

Unused Substitutes:

• Jaros, Quansah, Robertson, Morton

Manager’s Performance

Arne Slot – 7/10

Slot faced significant challenges with a lackluster first-half display from his team, with some of his lineup choices contributing to Liverpool’s sluggish start. However, his second-half adjustments, especially the introduction of Jones in a deep midfield role, transformed the game. These changes revitalized Liverpool and helped them take control. Given the title race stakes and setbacks for Arsenal and Manchester City, Slot’s tactical decisions could have an enduring impact on Liverpool’s season, even if the initial lineup misfired.

Match Summary

Liverpool’s comeback against Brighton demonstrated resilience, especially considering their disjointed first-half performance. Brighton, led by Kadioglu’s 14th-minute goal, put Liverpool under pressure with a well-orchestrated setup and precision in attack. However, the Reds grew in confidence as the match progressed, spurred on by key contributions from Gomez, Jones, and the forward line.

The game’s momentum shifted with Gakpo’s equalizing goal, capitalizing on Brighton’s momentary disorganization. Shortly afterward, Salah’s expertly executed goal proved decisive, showcasing his trademark finishing under pressure. Slot’s in-game management was essential in rebalancing Liverpool’s midfield, and his adjustments paid dividends as Liverpool maintained their lead despite Brighton’s persistent efforts to equalize.

With Arsenal and Manchester City experiencing slip-ups, Liverpool’s victory took on added importance. Anfield’s raucous atmosphere buoyed the team as they displayed renewed energy in the second half. Players who struggled early on, including Alexander-Arnold and Mac Allister, showed improvement, while standout performances from Nunez, Gakpo, and Salah demonstrated Liverpool’s offensive potency. As Liverpool continues its title chase, the adjustments and performances in this match may serve as a pivotal reference for Slot and his squad.