Liverpool 2-0 Brighton Player Ratings: Ekitike Brace, Salah Makes Instant Impact
Hugo Ekitike scored twice to lead Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield in Saturday’s Premier League fixture. Mohamed Salah also played a role after coming off the bench, registering an assist following Joe Gomez’s early injury.
Hugo Ekitike scores twice as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah providing an assist on his return to the lineup.
Mohamed Salah returned to the matchday squad on the bench and watched the opening stages unfold before Liverpool struck almost immediately. A misplaced cross-field pass from Yankuba Minteh was headed into Ekitike’s path by Gomez, allowing the French striker to control and fire a powerful volley past Bart Verbruggen after just 46 seconds, the fastest Premier League goal of the season.
Getty/GOAL
Anfield’s attention shifted again midway through the first half when Gomez was forced off injured, prompting Arne Slot to introduce Salah. The Egypt international made an immediate impression by setting up Alexis Mac Allister for a chance with his first involvement. Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch also found openings, though Liverpool carried a narrow lead into the interval.
Brighton threatened early in the second half, coming close to an equaliser when a low cross was met at the far post, only for the effort to strike the woodwork. Liverpool responded on the hour mark as Salah delivered a curling corner that Ekitike headed home, extending the advantage and completing his brace.
A further opportunity arrived for Salah in stoppage time when he was presented with a clear chance to add a third. His effort sailed over the bar, leaving Liverpool to close out a 2-0 win that delivered a clean sheet and three league points.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (7/10):
Produced a key first-half save by rushing off his line to deny Diego Gomez and later kept out Karou Mitoma with a strong stop.
Joe Gomez (8/10):
Provided the assist for the opener with a decisive header and created another chance before leaving the pitch injured after 25 minutes.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10):
Handled periods of pressure and made important blocks, showing improved composure at the back.
Virgil van Dijk (8/10):
Controlled his defensive area well and limited Brighton’s attacking threat to secure another clean sheet.
Milos Kerkez (7/10):
Faced a demanding duel with Minteh and managed it effectively over the course of the match.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
Helped dictate tempo alongside Curtis Jones and maintained control during key phases.
Curtis Jones (8/10):
Marked his 200th Liverpool appearance with a strong midfield display that supported both defence and attack.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
Found shooting positions in the first half but was unable to convert his chances.
Attack
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Adapted to a positional shift after Gomez’s injury and later appeared hampered by an ankle issue before being withdrawn.
Hugo Ekitike (9/10):
Delivered two decisive finishes, opening the scoring with a volley and later heading in from a corner to seal the result.
Florian Wirtz (8/10):
Moved intelligently between lines, creating space and contributing to Liverpool’s attacking flow.
Subs & Manager
Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Introduced earlier than planned, supplied the assist for Ekitike’s second goal and remained a constant attacking presence.
Alexander Isak (6/10):
Came on from the bench but was limited by a minor knock and saw little of the ball.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
Added defensive stability late in the contest.
Federico Chiesa (N/A):
Entered the match in the closing moments.
Arne Slot (7/10):
Adjusted quickly to an enforced change and saw his side manage the game effectively after taking control.
