Liverpool were eliminated from the FA Cup with a performance that, while generally better, lacked in several crucial areas.
Brighton vs Liverpool: Player Ratings
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Alisson Becker- 6.5/10
Alisson handled several risky incidents from wide areas with authority. But he could not stop the double deflection that led to Lewis Dunk writing his name on the scoresheet or the game-winning goal flashing in from close range.
Trent Alexander-Arnold- 5.5/10
Early on, a pivotal goal-line clearing marked a reunion with Kaoru Mitoma, an encounter that had caused the full-back pain two weeks before. He appeared to be really upset over being replaced on the hour. And TV cameras caught him glaring at Klopp.
Ibrahima Konate – 6.5/10
He was lucky with a late, daring challenge on Mac Allister. But that shouldn’t take away much from another performance when he showed his enormous potential.
Joe Gomez- 7/10
Following Virgil van Dijk’s injury, Liverpool’s forgotten center-back has been playing for a prolonged period of time.
They are a defensive tandem developed out of necessity rather than design. But they seem increasingly at ease with one another and without Virgil.
Andy Robertson- 6/10
The Scotland captain is an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s management group. He made his debut as captain of Liverpool when he led his team out on the south coast.
Although he didn’t feel very happy moving ahead, the 90 minutes were plenty, given the new obligations he was carrying and the difficulties he had going the other way.
Midfielders
Naby Keita- 7.5/10
The Guinean has made three straight starts. And aside from helping to set up the first goal (no pun intended), he put up a solid performance as he pressed his case for regular playing time.
Bajcetic- 7.5/10
The manager continues to put his faith in the 18-year-old Spaniard in lineups that would be regarded as full strength. And the highest compliment you can currently give him is that he doesn’t look in the least bit out of place.
Harvey Elliott- 8/10
Elliott’s problems on the left against Chelsea were widely publicized. But the manager persisted and was rewarded after 30 minutes when the teenager calmly finished to give the visitors the lead.
Thiago – 7.5/10
Even though the conditions weren’t ideal for a Thiago masterclass, he nevertheless put on a more than adequate performance, supporting Bajcetic on defence when necessary in addition to his offensive contributions.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah- 6.5/10
A superbly weighted pass from him set up the first goal. But as the second half went on and Brighton appeared to devise a defensive strategy for him, as has happened far too frequently in recent weeks, he began to lose some of his intensity.
Cody Gakpo – 8/10
He only faced three opponents (Wolves, Chelsea, and Brighton) in his five starts for the club. But when he sank a little deeper to receive the ball, he appeared much more at ease moving the ball forward and testing defenders.
Substitutions
Milner- 5.5/10
Not an accessible environment to adapt to. But the alterations undoubtedly caused the side to regress. Regrettably, Milner was one of the instances of that in this case.
Darwin Nunez – 6/10
He brings excitement and enthusiasm whenever he is introduced. But for the most part, Brighton kept him at bay.
Jordan Henderson- 5/10
Replaced one of the top players on the field just as Liverpool was gaining momentum and making few offensive contributions.
Curtis Jones – N/A
Showed flashes. But by the time he was announced, Liverpool was headed into the unavoidable. Horrible last-second free kick.
Fabinho- N/A
He was fortunate that his day, which had been cut short by a careless challenge on Evan Ferguson, had not been the shortest of his career. He’s a serious concern.
