The Reds returned to winning ways against Brighton on Saturday after two consecutive defeats in all competitions. The Reds weren’t in their usual free-flowing attacking mood but they managed to score a goal which was enough to condemn the stubborn Seagulls to their 10th defeat of the season.
Here are the top three lessons learnt from the game…
Mo Salah was a nightmare to Brighton’s defender
The Egyptian had a very quiet game in the first half but second half saw the former Roma star troubled the Seagulls defenders.
He was too handful for the Amex outfits to curtail and he successfully won a spot kick after Pascal Gross brought him down in the box.
Salah scored the only goal of the game from the spot to help the Reds increase their lead ahead of City to seven points at least for now.
Fabinho’s versatility was obviously seen once again
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was without most of his defenders before the encounter due to injury. Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren were both in the recuperating room while Joel Matip and Adam Lallana were unfit to play a role in the encounter.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager deployed Fabinho — who joined the Merseyside club from Monaco for £39m in the summer — at the centre-back position alongside Virgil Van Dijk.
The Brazilian didn’t look out of place throughout the encounter as he made numerous blocks to prevent Brighton from taking the lead in the first half.
The natural defensive midfielder made two quick successive interceptions to deny Glenn Murray and Jürgen Locadia’s shots from troubling Alisson Becker.
Sadio Mane reaches a milestone
The Senegalese striker joined the Reds from Southampton in 2016 and has been phenomenal for the team.
He isn’t just a part of the team, but he’s an important player whom Klopp can turn to in term of goals and inspiration.
Saturday’s game against Brighton was his 100th appearance for the Reds since his move to Anfield, though, he don’t perform as impressive as many Anfield fans expected.
Virgil Van Dijk also reached a milestone in the game. The Dutchman became world’s most expensive defender after completing his £75m move to Anfield from Southampton exactly a year ago and yesterday’s game was his 50th appearance for the club.
Congratulations to the two stars, however, the best way to celebrate their respective achievements is to break the club’s long-term trophy drought.