Roberto Firmino put Liverpool back in the game, but the Reds’ underbelly saw victory slip away against Brighton, who held Jurgen Klopp’s side to their fourth draw of the season.
Liverpool 3-3 Brighton
Premier League (7), AnfieldOctober 1, 2022
Goals: Firmino 33′, 54′, Webster Y 63′; Trossard 4′, 18′, 83′
Alisson – 8 (of 10) (Man of the Match)
You really fear what the score might have been had it not been for the Brazilian in the early stages and throughout the season in general.
His teammates haven’t been forthcoming with enough defense to even hope for a clean sheet, but Alisson is still world-class in the face of it all.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
Already in the spotlight after his absence in England and Jurgen Klopp’s passionate defense of his qualities, this was another difficult game for Alexander-Arnold.
A player who seems mentally lacking in concentration, he was easily beaten for the first goal early on, with his header clearance quickly reaching inside the box and Trossard beating him to finish.
A mistouch opened their side of the pitch for Brighton’s second and there was no rush to run back, we’ve seen that before. Carelessness in possession did little to stop his momentum.
To say he had the freedom to roam was an understatement, but this was one performance you won’t want to see again and we’ll be happy to forget.
Joel Matip – 7
When those around him faltered, the central defender seemed one of the most serene figures on the team.
Strong one-on-one and eager to get off the line, Matip set the bar for his performance in the first minute by pressing Roberto Sánchez into the Brighton goal.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
The Dutchman came up with a handful of crucial blocks in his own box, denying what looked like clear goalscoring opportunities, only for Brighton’s third goal to go right through him!
Clean in possession, Van Dijk responded from a slow start, like many others, but overall defensive performance was lacking from Liverpool, who fall apart too easily.
Costas Tsimikas – 6
With Andy Robertson still in treatment for a knee injury, it was time for Tsimikas’ third start to the season and, unfortunately, not one of his best.
Slightly heavy at times and only won one of his four ground duels, he still had the energy to fight but was traded for James Milner after just an hour.
Fabinho – 5
It only takes one percent to show off a different player and one wonders if it’s accumulated fatigue in Fabinho’s case or the fact that he’s being pushed in too many directions.
The Brazilian had a lot of defensive work to do and won six of his seven combined duels on clay and clay, but in transition it looked like he was trying to run on the sand.
Thiago – 6
Overall a solid but unspectacular performance, but his magical feet still had a way out and his vision to find Luis Diaz in the build-up to the second goal was crucial.
Brighton’s fouls on our number 6 started to pile up in the second half, not what the heart needs when we’re all desperate to keep the Spaniard on the pitch!
Jordan Henderson-5
In the captain’s first start since Newcastle’s visit in late August, it was clear he was coming back from injury as he was not quite up to speed.
A feeble effort to block a Brighton player on the edge of the penalty area culminated in his first goal and the inability to win his midfield duels was deadly.
His quick thinking sent the Reds on their way to the second goal.
Replaced just before the timestamp in a presumably pre-planned change.
Mohammed Salah – 7
A brilliant spark at the top created Firmino’s first goal thanks to his knowledge of his long-time partner and he came close to finding the net himself.
There has been a lot of talk about him playing too wide this season, but at times he had to reach midfield to see the ball.
He worked hard to get the Reds out of their own half, a selfless performance overall. Still, three goals in nine games this season is well below his level.
Fabio Carvalho – 5
A start on the left wing for Carvalho came after health concerns from Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and the need to rest Luis Diaz, but it didn’t quite click for him, again.
It’s not his favorite position and with the team not firing flat out, the imbalance didn’t help the situation – he did his fair share of defensive work, for what it’s worth.
Not necessarily a sign of his performance, but he was presented with a second retirement this season at halftime. Hopefully it doesn’t damage his confidence.
Roberto Firmino – 7
The one who brought Liverpool back into the game with a tidy finish after reacting quicker in the first half, then showing his composure in the second to take his season tally to five.
His confidence was boosted by his goals, rightly so, and the hesitation he had in the early stages of the game quickly broke through when Liverpool took charge.
He could have headed for a hat-trick with a good chance.
When Bobby is up and over Liverpool he’ll look better for it – more of those goals please!
substitutes
Luis DÃaz (instead of Carvalho, 46′) – 7 – Sharp and energetic, Liverpool lacked the spark and wasted no time in assisting Firmino and getting his team back in the match.
James Milner (instead of Tsimikas, 59′) – 5 – You know the first rule they teach you in football is don’t pass the ball through your goal, well Milner thought he’d remind us all. He lost his man on the back post
Harvey Elliott (in place of Henderson, 59′) – 5 – Had clean possession but with Trent already struggling, his role on the right of midfield didn’t help matters.
Diogo Jota (replaces Firmino, 75′) – 6 – He offered a different dynamic when leading the line.
Darwin Núñez (instead of Thiago, 89′) – N/A – He gave up the ball when Liverpool needed to keep it, and what about those careless fouls?
Unused Subs: Adrian, Gomez, Phillips, Arthur
Jurgen Klopp – 6
After a long break and the performance that Liverpool left against Ajax, more was expected than what we got considering that in the 20th minute of the game the 2-0 favored Brighton.
His attacking options were restricted due to minor physical issues, but Carvalho never felt he fit in well on the left of the forward three, but there were few other options.
It is now four draws in seven league games and the 12th of the last 15 that Liverpool have conceded first. Something has to change.
Games that come fast help with the need to leave results like this behind without delay, but it causes confidence to crumble and that will only deliver similar returns and results.
Another answer is needed against the Rangers on Tuesday. But the biggest concern is Arsenal and Man City in the next two league games…
