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Anfield barely had time to find its voice before Liverpool were already in front. Forty six seconds into the afternoon, Hugo Ekitike announced himself in emphatic fashion, setting the tone for a controlled and mature 2–0 Premier League victory over a stubborn Brighton side. It was a performance built on sharp focus, patience, and a striker growing in confidence with every touch.
Two goals from Ekitike, one at the very start and one just past the hour mark, were enough to secure all three points and extend Liverpool’s unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions. Beyond the scoreline, it was a game rich in individual milestones, tactical adjustments, and moments that showed how Arne Slot’s Liverpool are learning to manage games without losing their attacking edge.
A Statement Before the Clock Hit One Minute
The match had barely settled when Liverpool struck. Brighton failed to properly clear their lines, and a floated ball across their own box eventually found its way to Joe Gomez. His simple nod forward invited Ekitike to do the rest.
The French forward took one touch to steady himself and then smashed an unerring finish past Bart Verbruggen. The goal was officially timed at 46 seconds, making it one of the quickest at Anfield this season and Ekitike’s ninth in all competitions. More importantly, it forced Brighton to chase the game from the outset, exactly the scenario Liverpool thrive in at home. The Kop erupted, sensing that the early breakthrough could open the floodgates. Brighton, however, had other ideas.
Brighton’s Response and Alisson’s Authority
To their credit, the visitors did not retreat into their shell. Yankuba Minteh was at the heart of Brighton’s response, twice coming close to restoring parity. First, he attempted to bend a shot into the far corner, only to see it drift agonizingly wide. Moments later, he slipped a clever through ball to Diego Gomez, whose effort was smartly denied by the outstretched feet of Alisson Becker.
It was a reminder that Liverpool’s clean sheet was never going to come easily. Alisson’s calm presence and sharp reflexes steadied the back line, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate marshaling proceedings with authority.
Milestones and a Forced Reshuffle
The afternoon carried personal significance for several Reds. Curtis Jones made his 200th appearance for the club, a testament to his development from academy prospect to trusted first team regular. Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, reached 250 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, another marker of his lasting influence at the heart of the defense.
Liverpool’s rhythm was briefly disrupted midway through the first half when Joe Gomez was forced off through injury. Mohamed Salah was introduced earlier than planned, prompting a tactical reshuffle that saw Dominik Szoboszlai drop into a makeshift right back role.
Despite the adjustment, Liverpool looked composed. Salah was immediately involved, linking well with Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in a move that nearly created a second goal, only for Verbruggen to race out and smother the danger.
Missed Chances but Growing Control
Ekitike could have doubled his tally before the break, dragging one effort wide after a swift counter attack. Ryan Gravenberch also tested Verbruggen with a low drive after some neat footwork on the edge of the area. The chances did not quite fall Liverpool’s way, but the home side carried a sense of control into halftime. At 1–0, the game remained finely balanced, and Brighton knew they were still very much in contention.
Early Second Half Warnings
Liverpool came out with intent after the interval, and Ekitike nearly struck again, driving across the pitch before pulling his shot just off target. Almost immediately, Brighton produced a reminder of their threat.
Mats Wieffer’s low cross found Diego Gomez at the back post, and for a split second it looked certain to be a goal. Gomez, however, could only find the side netting from close range. Brajan Gruda followed that with a shot that flashed wide from inside the box, increasing the tension inside Anfield. Those moments mattered. Brighton were knocking, and Liverpool needed to respond with authority.
The Decisive Moment and a Record for Salah
Just after the hour mark, Liverpool found the cushion they needed. Mohamed Salah, lively since his introduction, cut inside and forced Verbruggen into a sharp save, earning a corner in the process.
Salah took the set piece himself, whipping the ball toward the back post. Rising above his marker was Hugo Ekitike, whose leap and perfectly timed header sent the ball back across goal and into the net. It was a striker’s goal in every sense, built on movement, anticipation, and composure.
The assist carried extra significance. With it, Salah claimed the Premier League record for goal involvements for a single club, another milestone in a career already packed with them. There was no elaborate celebration, just a brief acknowledgment, as the focus stayed firmly on closing out the game.
Professional Game Management
At 2–0, Liverpool looked far more comfortable. Brighton continued to probe, with Kaoru Mitoma, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Yasin Ayari all trying to find a way back into the contest. The Liverpool defense, well organized and disciplined, held firm.
Arne Slot used his bench wisely. Andy Robertson and Alexander Isak were introduced to add fresh legs, while Federico Chiesa’s late cameo brought direct running and energy on the counter. One such breakaway nearly produced a third goal, but Salah lifted his effort over the bar after Chiesa’s pass. It was the kind of chance Liverpool have punished so often in the past, yet there was little frustration this time. The game was under control.
What the Win Says About This Liverpool Side
This was not a wild, chaotic Anfield classic. It was something quieter and, in many ways, more encouraging. Liverpool scored early, absorbed pressure, adjusted tactically, and struck again at the right moment. They kept a clean sheet and limited Brighton to half chances when it mattered most.
Ekitike’s brace will grab the headlines, and rightly so. His confidence is growing, his movement is improving, and he is beginning to look like a forward who thrives on responsibility. Salah’s record breaking contribution adds another chapter to his Anfield legacy, while the defensive solidity speaks to the collective work being done under Arne Slot.
Five matches unbeaten may not define a season, but it builds belief. Performances like this, professional and composed, are often the ones that carry teams through the long grind of a Premier League campaign.
As the final whistle blew and Anfield applauded its players off the pitch, there was a sense that Liverpool are finding their rhythm. Not through noise or chaos, but through clarity, control, and moments of real quality when it counts most.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com