Mohamed Salah shines on his return to the squad after his public outburst as Hugo Ekitike scores twice to lead Liverpool to a 2-0 Premier League win over Brighton.
Liverpool continued their steady climb up the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike struck twice, either side of half time, to secure all three points. Mohamed Salah returned to action and made a decisive impact off the bench.
The victory moves Liverpool up to sixth and extends their unbeaten league run to five matches. Brighton dropped to ninth after another frustrating afternoon in front of goal. Clinical finishing from the defending champions proved the difference.
Liverpool made the perfect start. Hugo Ekitike wasted no time at Anfield, scoring after just 46 seconds to give Liverpool an immediate lead. A poor Brighton clearance was headed down by Joe Gomez into Ekitike’s path. The French forward took one touch and volleyed emphatically past Bart Verbruggen. It was the fastest Premier League goal of the season, scored after just 46 seconds and set the early rhythm.
Brighton were stunned but responded with urgency as they were forced to chase the game sooner than planned. Diego Gomez was denied by Alisson when clean through. The hosts were then forced into an early change. Gomez picked up an injury and Salah was introduced in the 26th minute. Anfield erupted as the Egyptian made his long-awaited return to the squad after a turbulent week.
Salah wasted little time getting involved. He linked well with Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz between the lines. Liverpool looked sharper and more confident with him on the pitch. Brighton continued to create openings. Diego Gomez missed an open goal early in the second half after surviving a VAR check for a high challenge before the break. Brajan Gruda then fired narrowly wide. Those misses would prove costly. Liverpool remained patient and waited for their moment to strike again.
The decisive second goal arrived on the hour mark when Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead. Salah delivered an in-swinging corner from the right. Ekitike drifted into space at the back post and headed home unmarked. It was his 10th goal of the season and a second straight league brace. Salah’s assist took him to 277 Premier League goal involvements for Liverpool, a new single club record. Ekitike led the line with intelligence and energy throughout. Salah added control and creativity after his introduction. Alisson also played a key role with important saves.
Brighton finished with 14 shots and an expected goals figure close to two. Only one effort forced a save from Alisson. Their wastefulness was again exposed. Liverpool had fewer attempts but were far more efficient. Both goals came from high quality moments. The hosts also kept a second straight clean sheet. The win was Liverpool’s first home league victory since early November. It also marked back-to-back Premier League wins for Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool are back in action next Saturday. They travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in a key away fixture. Attention will then turn to managing life without Salah who will depart for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence could last several weeks.
Brighton return home to host Sunderland on the same day at the Amex Stadium. Fabian Hurzeler’s side will look to improve their finishing after creating chances at Anfield.
