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Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield was more than just three points. It was a performance filled with talking points, sharp moments, and clear signals about where Arne Slot believes his team is heading. A lightning-fast opener from Hugo Ekitike, a solid defensive showing, and Mohamed Salah’s much-discussed return all combined to shape an evening that felt important in more ways than one.
After the final whistle, Slot sat down to reflect on the match, and his press conference offered insight into squad management, player mentality, and the bigger picture behind Liverpool’s recent run of results. Here is the full reaction, broken down with context and clarity.
A Dream Start That Set the Tone
Liverpool barely gave Brighton time to settle before striking. Just 46 seconds into the game, Hugo Ekitike found the net, registering the fastest Premier League goal of the season so far. It was the perfect start and it immediately tilted the game in Liverpool’s favour.
Brighton tried to respond, but Liverpool looked sharper, more aggressive, and more confident. On the hour mark, Ekitike struck again, this time rising to meet a Mohamed Salah corner with a well-timed header. Two goals, a clean sheet, and another step forward for a young striker still finding his feet in England. The result extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, and Slot made it clear this was not a coincidence.
Salah’s Return and the Manager’s Clear Message
Much of the pre-match discussion centred on Mohamed Salah, particularly after his absence in Milan. Slot addressed the situation directly, offering honesty without feeding the drama.
“I think the reason why he wasn’t in Milan was his interview and the question is always should he be once, twice, three times, four times, four months, 12 years. Every manager makes a different decision in that.”
Slot confirmed he spoke to Salah before the Brighton match but refused to disclose details.
“Usually I never say anything about what we talk about. I am not going to make an exception now but I think actions speak louder than what has been said.”
Those actions were clear. Salah was back in the squad, and when Slot needed impact, he turned to him.
“He was in the squad again and when I had to make my first substitution, I brought him in and he performed as I think every fan including me would like him to perform today.”
Salah’s cameo was lively, direct, and dangerous. He stretched Brighton’s defence, linked up well, and nearly added an assist and a goal to his evening.
Applause, Appreciation, and a Rare Slice of Luck
After the match, Salah was seen applauding the Anfield crowd, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. Slot was quick to frame it as a collective moment rather than an individual statement.
“I think he wasn’t the only player who walked around the pitch thanking the fans because the fans deserved a thank you from us.”
Slot highlighted the effort his team put in, particularly at the back.
“Our players worked incredibly hard today to keep a clean sheet and for the first time in weeks or maybe I should say months we had a little bit of luck with that as well.”
It was a refreshingly honest admission. Liverpool have endured matches where they dominated but conceded soft goals. Against Brighton, the balance finally tipped their way.
“We did a lot of things well, but also had a little bit of luck. We’ve had games where we’ve not conceded a chance but conceded three goals. Today we definitely did concede chances but they didn’t go in.”
AFCON, Rotation, and a Tight Schedule
Salah’s return also came with the reminder that his availability will soon change again due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Mo is going to go to the AFCON now, I hope he is going to do very well and in the meantime we have to play here without him with not that many players available at the moment.”
Slot outlined the upcoming schedule and why it matters.
“The good thing is we play on Saturday and then a week in between and then again Saturday. That’s the situation.”
It was a calm, practical assessment. No panic, no excuses. Just an acknowledgment of reality.
Will Salah Return and Start Again?
When asked if he hopes Salah comes back from AFCON and performs like this again, Slot’s answer was simple and telling.
“He’s a Liverpool player and the moment he’s there I like to use him when we need him.”
Slot explained why Salah started on the bench and how effective he was once introduced.
“Today he didn’t start as he did a few times before not, but when he came in he had a performance like you would want him to give.”
There was even a lighter moment as Slot described Salah’s near assist and burst forward.
“I think he was shocked to see Virgil next to him in that long sprint.”
Slot stressed that threat matters above all else.
“He was a threat and that’s very important because if you play with attackers, you’re hoping they are a threat to the other team. Hugo was that as well and Florian was that also.”
No Drama Behind the Scenes
Questions about unresolved issues were firmly shut down by Slot.
“For me, there’s no issue to resolve. For me, he’s now the same as any other player.”
Slot reiterated that conversations with players stay private and that nothing lingered after earlier situations.
“There’s nothing to talk about after what happened against Leeds after the game.”
It was a manager drawing a clear line under speculation.
Are Liverpool Really More Solid Defensively?
Arne Slot was almost amused by the narrative shift following a clean sheet.
“That’s funny. This is what people now say if you win 2-0 and then all of a sudden we were solid.”
He pointed out the inconsistency in perception.
“When we had a draw or are conceding in the last minute against Leeds, I assume that people weren’t as positive as after this game.”
Still, there were signs of improvement.
“From the last five games we’ve played, we kept three clean sheets and that is something to build on.”
Slot referenced recent heavy concessions to underline progress.
“Especially after conceding four against PSV and three against Nottingham Forest.”
Ekitike’s Growth and the Reality of the Premier League
Hugo Ekitike’s night ended in the 78th minute, and Slot explained why.
“Just before I took him off there was a moment, I don’t know what happened, but I think he hardly could walk anymore because of cramp.”
Rather than concern, Slot saw it as a sign of progress.
“He did probably twice as much as in games in the beginning of the season.”
Slot placed Ekitike’s development in a wider context.
“All the players we brought in are young players, except for Alex, but all the others are very young.”
The challenge is intensity.
“If you cannot be so intense for such a long time, it’s so hard to win a game of football because the best players, athletes, in the world play in this league.”
Slot made it clear he sees improvement across the squad.
“I can see that progress with most of our signings, maybe all of them.”
On Salah’s Future and Keeping Things Private
Finally, Slot was asked whether Salah has indicated he wants to stay at Liverpool.
“I think you already know the answer to that.”
But once again, he refused to reveal private discussions.
“What has been said between the two of us in that conversation stays between us.”
For Slot, the evidence is always on the pitch.
“What you see is what you get to know.”
A Night That Felt Like a Step Forward
Liverpool’s win over Brighton was not flawless, but it was convincing, controlled, and encouraging. Ekitike continues to grow. Salah showed his value without starting. The defence found stability. And Slot sounded like a manager comfortable with his direction. At Anfield, it felt like a team learning how to win again in different ways. And for Liverpool supporters, that may be the most reassuring takeaway of all.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com