Liverpool moved back into the Premier League’s top six with a controlled 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, as Hugo Ekitiké struck twice and Mohamed Salah marked his much-scrutinised return with a decisive assist. The result extended the Reds’ unbeaten run to five matches and delivered their first Anfield win since early November, while Brighton were left to rue missed chances on a frustrating afternoon.
Lightning Start Sets the Tone at Anfield
Liverpool wasted no time asserting themselves, scoring inside the opening minute to seize control of the contest. Joe Gomez rose highest to nod a long ball into the path of Hugo Ekitiké, who took a touch and thundered a volley beyond Bart Verbruggen. The goal, timed at just 46 seconds, stood as the quickest in the Premier League this season and instantly lifted the home crowd.
The early breakthrough allowed Arne Slot’s side to settle into a measured rhythm, keeping their shape and pressing selectively rather than relentlessly. Brighton attempted to respond by pushing numbers forward, but Liverpool’s defensive organisation limited clear openings in the early stages.
Gomez’s involvement in the opener was short-lived. The defender was forced off injured in the 26th minute, prompting a reshuffle that saw Dominik Szoboszlai drop into right-back and Mohamed Salah introduced from the bench amid loud applause.
Salah Returns Amid Spotlight and Records
All eyes were on Salah, returning to the squad after being left out of the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan following his explosive comments at Leeds United last weekend. Named among the substitutes, the Egyptian forward was thrust into action earlier than expected and quickly made his presence felt.
Operating with energy and purpose, Salah linked well with Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz, stretching Brighton’s back line and creating space for midfield runners. His delivery from set pieces was a constant threat, and his calm influence appeared to steady Liverpool during Brighton’s brief spells of pressure.
Salah’s contribution was eventually decisive. On the hour mark, his corner found Ekitiké unmarked at the back post, where the Frenchman headed in his second of the afternoon. The assist took Salah to 277 Premier League goal involvements in 302 appearances for Liverpool — the most ever by a player for a single club, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s long-standing record at Manchester United.
Ekitiké Leads the Line With Authority
Once again trusted as Liverpool’s central striker, Ekitiké delivered a performance that underlined his growing importance under Slot. His movement unsettled Brighton’s defenders throughout, and his instinctive finishing defined the match.
The 23-year-old could easily have completed a first-half hat-trick, blazing over from another Gomez pass before firing narrowly wide after being teed up by a clever Florian Wirtz backheel. Despite those misses, Ekitiké remained relentless, constantly offering himself between the lines and attacking the six-yard box.
His second goal — his 10th of the season and second brace in consecutive league matches — capped a dominant display. With Cody Gakpo injured and Salah set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, Ekitiké’s form offers Liverpool a timely attacking focal point heading into a demanding festive schedule.
Brighton’s Wastefulness Proves Costly
Brighton arrived at Anfield above Liverpool in the table, but left having squandered a golden opportunity. Fabian Hürzeler’s side generated an expected goals figure of 1.91 and produced 13 shots, yet failed to convert pressure into tangible reward.
Diego Gomez was at the centre of Brighton’s missed chances. He was denied by an outstretched Alisson when clean through in the first half, then astonishingly missed an open goal after the break when set up brilliantly by Mats Wieffer. Moments later, Brajan Gruda fired inches wide with a low drive that had the Kop holding its breath.
Yankuba Minteh endured a mixed afternoon — his wayward clearance contributed to Liverpool’s opener, but he also posed problems at the other end with direct running and dangerous deliveries. Ultimately, Brighton’s lack of composure in front of goal continued a troubling December trend, with the Seagulls now winless in nine league matches during the month.
What It Means and What Comes Next
The final whistle confirmed back-to-back wins and clean sheets for Liverpool, easing the tension after a tumultuous week dominated by speculation over Salah’s future. After the match, the Egyptian applauded all four sides of Anfield before preparing to join Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations camp, where a deep run could see him miss up to eight matches. Whether he plays again for Liverpool remains uncertain following his suggestion at Elland Road that this season could mark a farewell.
For now, Slot’s side have momentum and renewed belief, climbing to sixth place and rediscovering defensive solidity. They face a stern test next on Saturday, 20 December, away to Tottenham Hotspur in a 17:30 GMT kickoff.
Brighton, meanwhile, drop to ninth and must quickly regroup as inefficiency continues to undermine their attractive approach play. They return home on the same day to host Sunderland at the Amex Stadium, knowing sharper finishing is urgently required to halt their December slide.
