Liverpool couldn’t capitalize on their first-half brilliance as Brighton fought back into a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds still remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League.
Liverpool vs Brighton – Player Ratings
Goal Keeper and Defenders
Allison (GK) – 7/10
A good game for the Brazilian, made some fine first-half saves to deny March and Bissouma. Excellent showing to prevent Lallana after the break
Trent Alexander Arnold (RB) – 5/10
A tough game for Alexander- Arnold, especially in positioning, with his new role as part of the midfield. Saw Trent struggling to contribute to his defensive role. Thus, this is one of the major reasons behind Liverpool not being at their best in the 2nd half against Brighton.
Ibrahima Konate (CB) – 5/10
Konate didn’t back his performance against Manchester United. He was caught in the confusion throughout the second half and he was messy under Brighton pressure.
Virgil Van Dijk (CB) – 6/10
Confident defending as usual. Trossard couldn’t break away from Virgil, fine cross-field pass to Salah for the first goal. This wasn’t the Dutchman’s best game.
Andy Robertson (LB) – 6/10
The Scottish international was in fifth gear throughout the game. He snapped at every player who drifted in his sphere. He was always there when needed in both boxes. But need to improve his crosses and corners.
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (CDM) – 6/10
Henderson had a good game, his brilliant strike from the edge of the box flew into the top left corner. Giving reds their first goal at the 4th minute of the game gave them a perfect start. He was dominating in the midfield and demanding but he couldn’t help on the defensive side much.
Curtis Jones (CM) – 5/10
For a player with such creative zeal, the 20-year-old was lost in the midfield shuffle after Keita’s injury. He didn’t perform well as he was struggling in the left-sided midfield role
Naby Keita (CM) – N/A
Naby Keita was bright and promising in his 19 minutes as another injury forced him to leave the pitch before he could continue his performance and make an impact.
Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 7/10
Salah was fast and was up against Marc Cucurella. It was another full performance as he sets up Henderson for the first goal, and his goal in the second was ruled out due to offside. Salah’s goal-scoring streak has come to an end after 10 games in a row.
Roberto Firmino (CF) – 7/10
Firmino dropped deep to allow Mane and Salah to find the space around Dunk and Duffy. In his 78 minutes, Bobby stationed himself behind the wingers to open them up and support the midfield.
Sadio Mane (LW) – 8/10 (Man of the Match)
After not starting in two games Mane was back in the starting line-up and he produced an excellent all-around performance on the left flank. A brilliant header to make it 2-0 and a great pressing on Sanchez saw him score his second but ruled out for handball. And his smart pass for Salah’s goal was flagged offside. Mane was among the best in his defensive work.
Subsitutes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (CM) – 5/10
Got a big opportunity as an early replacement for Keita. He made a quick impact with a beautiful cross for Mane’s header. He was not the best player when it comes to the defensive part of the game as Brighton was able to open up space around him time and time again.
Diogo Jota (LW) – 5/10
Jota couldn’t stamp his authority as he did against United, and couldn’t help Liverpool as they were seeking a winner.
Takumi Minamino (LW) – N/A
Minomino came in for Jones at the 88th minute for his first premier league appearance this season but he had only three minutes of play.
The reds drop points after scoring two goals in the first half and couldn’t back their performance in the second half. Thus, Liverpool now sits second in the table three points behind the leaders Chelsea and two points above third-placed Manchester city.
