Liverpool 2 – 1 Brighton – Premier League Player Ratings | OneFootball

Liverpool 2 – 1 Brighton – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League schedule resumed from the midweek EFL Cup matches; however, this contest was merely a repeat of one of those 4th round ties, with the locations switch from south to north. The game was tense and enthralling, with two young and progressive head coaches going head-to-head once more.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game in place of his own understudy, Vítězslav Jaroš, whilst rye reds await the return of the undisputed no.1 keeper, Alisson Becker. In the first half the classy goalkeeper was let down by his defence, as the opening goal was struck by a man unmarked and able to get his shot away. An important and huge save was administered before half time, which stopped Albion from doubling their lead. After the intermission, the 25-year-old was competent in his work and ensure his safe hands kept his team in the hunt for points.

Man of the Match

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

The England superstar started with a remit to halt the progress of the Brighton flyer, Kaoru Mitoma. In the opening half of this Anfield encounter, the former academy graduate was given the runaround by the Japan winger, as the away side looked to target the flanks of the hosts. A couple of good on-ball moments aside, it was not a good half for the contract rebel. Following the half time break, the vice-captain was supremely better and showed more and more aggression against a dangerous foe. Was productive on the ball as his team hunted for second half redemption. Great second half.

Kostas Tsimikas – 8.0

The Greek international appears to have ousted his Scottish teammate, Andy Robertson, with the opening stage of this game seeing him having to deal with the vibrant Turk, Ferdi Kadıoğlu. It would be the Brighton right winger who would open the scoring, something that maybe could have been averted with tighter attention from the Greek defender. A solid enough half ensued with a good balance between defensive and offensive duties undertaken. In the second half of this game, the popular fullback was again impressive and offered good variety with his fine delivery.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The France international defender was tasked with dealing with the veteran striker, Danny Welbeck. In the initial 45-minutes the 6ft 4inch centre back was need to lock down his zone of the pitch through a busy first period. Unfortunately for the former RB Leipzig man mountain, his game ended at the break with an injury halting his participation. Subbed – 45 mins

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team needed to be at his commanding best from the opening bell, as the visitors looked to attack the hosts continuously. His calm did not drop away as his fellow reds struggled all around him. After the break, the 33-year-old Anfield legend was keen to push his troops forwards and even assisted the equalizer for his fellow Netherlands teammate, Cody Gakpo.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6.0

The Duch midfielder was drafted back into the first team elite after his midweek break and dinner date. In the opening stages of this game the former Ajax academy graduate was overwhelmed and outworked by the Seagulls middle men. As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was better and more combative in his work, as he strived to make the midfield machine work.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.0

The Argentina World Cup winner started this game with a want to control match tempo against his former employers. In the first half of this game the 25-year-old was unable to assert that control and the positional dominance of Brighton was very impressive. After the halftime team talk the midfielder was more aggressive, however, his performance did not improve much. Subbed – 66 mins

Dominik Szoboszlai – 5.0

The Hungarian captain started with a desire to press the back line and deeper assets of a Brighton, as the chaos agent between the midfield and attacking lines. The 23-year-old was hardworking without offering too much offensively, as the half drifted by him. In the second period, the versatile midfielder was more aggressive and tried to make thing work before he left the field. Subbed – 66 mins

Cody Gakpo – 6.0

The Dutch flyer was untouchable in the week against Brighton, therefore, kept his place for this Premier League game in the north. In the first half the 6ft 4inch attacker was very subdued out wide, as his teammates struggled to gain control of the ball. As the game resumed, the output of the former PSV man was much improved and got the all-important equalizer.

Darwin Núñez – 6.0

The Uruguayan striker has been entrusted as the starting striker whilst Diogo Jota is out injured, with the first half allowing a brilliant early flick over his mark, drive towards goal and right footed shot, one which was well saved. After the restart, the former Benfica man was able to work hard and offer good options up front in a solid enough display. Subbed – 77 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was rested for much of the midweek battle (in the EFL Cup); therefore, his return was always going to be a case of proving a point to his head coach, however, despite some moments of attacking intent, the 32-year-old was largely absent in the first half. After the break, the former Chelsea man was eventually the goal scorer for his side, as his wonderful strike took the scores to 2-1. Subbed – 90+1

Substitutions;

Joe Gomez – 8.0 (on 73) Came on and nearly scored with a header straight away. Defending was solid and pace was always assured.

Curtis Jones – 7.0 (on 66) Came on to add more control and an assist.

Luis Díaz – 6.0 (on 66) Came on to add more variety.

Wataru Endō – 6.0 (on 77) Came on to add much needed physicality.

Conor Bradley 6.0 (on 90+1) Came on to add more defensive depth.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 7.0 The Dutch manager was keen to get his first team elite back together, however, his assets were outrun and outclassed through a horrible first half of woes.

All the substitutions made sense and ultimately, the work of the head coach aided a comeback for his men.

Pre-match Prediction;  Liverpool 2 – 0 Brighton

Steven Smith