Our 3️⃣ points after Liverpool held by Brighton in absorbing draw | OneFootball

Liverpool had to settle for a share of the spoils when they were pegged back late on by Brighton on Sunday.

Here’s what we made of an enjoyable game from the Amex Stadium.

Wakey, wakey

Both sides conceded goals in this one that their respective managers won’t have been happy with.

Brighton’s opener came from a Virgil van Dijk pass out of defence which put Alexis Mac Allister under pressure, and the Argentine was caught in possession before Simon Adingra found the net with a brilliant finish.

And shortly after Liverpool’s equaliser, it was the Seagulls’ turn to shoot themselves in the foot in similar fashion, when Pascal Groß was pickpocketed in his own penalty area and had to haul Dominik Szoboszlai down for a penalty.

The German was perhaps fortunate he didn’t see a red card for that offence, and it was an example to any kids watching of how NOT to play out from the back.

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp won’t have been thrilled about his side’s marking – or lack of – on Brighton’s equaliser either.

It was a terrific game, but not for the defenders on either side.

A match made in heaven

Mohamed Salah will be disappointed that his fifth and sixth goals of the season weren’t enough to earn Liverpool all three points.

The Egyptian was once again a thorn in Brighton’s side, and he has now been involved in 14 goals in 13 Premier League appearances against the Seagulls, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. He only has a better Premier League record against Manchester United.

But it’s another stat that should give his manager food for thought.

Darwin Núñez starting this game and racked up his fifth Premier League assist for Liverpool since he joined from Benfica last summer. And interestingly, all five have provided Salah with goals – which is the most assists of any player in Premier League history exclusively for one team-mate.

The lesson here is that when Núñez plays, good things tend to happen for Liverpool, even if the Uruguayan doesn’t get on the scoresheet himself.

Much to ponder

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was understandably miserable after his side lost 6-1 to Aston Villa last weekend, but the two games since then have given him reasons to be cheerful.

The Seagulls came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw away at Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday, before showing great resolve to earn themselves a point again here. They have work to do defensively, especially with a trip to Manchester City to come after the international break, but De Zerbi can take confidence from his side’s energy and fight in their last two matches.

As for Liverpool, a draw away at Brighton is far from a disaster, and felt like the fair result on the balance of play.

It might have been a different story had Ryan Gravenberch taken his chance to make it 3-1 early in the second half, but the half-time substitute could only hit the bar with the goal gaping, and they were made to rue that miss.

Then again, João Pedro really could have won it for Brighton when he lashed a great chance over the bar in the dying minutes, so Liverpool should perhaps be happy taking home a point from a tough away game.

At least there was no VAR controversy this week.