Liverpool v Brighton LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Gakpo and Salah goals secure comeback
Arne Slot’s title challengers move top of the table with victory
Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 comeback win over Brighton, thanks to Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah goals within two minutes of each other.
The Reds were dismal in the first half as the Seagulls’ energy and pressing proved far too much to handle, with Ferdi Kadioglu rattling in his first goal for the south coast team, blasting in a first-time effort off the post early on. Brighton had chances to add to their lead but Caoimhin Kelleher made a good save from Danny Welbeck and after the restart the home team looked completely different.
Gakpo’s cross eventually sailed in after everybody missed it and barely 100 seconds later the Reds led, Curtis Jones freeing Salah who cut in and sent a rocket into the far corner for the three points and top spot. Follow all the Premier League reaction with our live blog below:
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
For the first time, Liverpool are controlling the game, probing around the edge of Brighton's box in search of an opening. They earn a corner-kick when Estupinan nearly nods a cross into his own goal, clearing the right-hand post by no more than a few feet.
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have still had a greater share of the ball so far, leading the possession stats with 51%. They are coming under some sustained pressure now, though, so that may change.
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
SAVE! Gomez drifts clear of the Brighton defence, meeting a precise free-kick from Tsimikas into the box. However, he guides a tame header straight at Verbruggen. What a let-off for Brighton!
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Liverpool kick off, and we are back under way at Anfield!
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Substitution Ibrahima Konaté Joseph Dave Gomez
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
With Manchester City trailing against Bournemouth, following Arsenal's defeat earlier today, perhaps a Liverpool defeat wouldn't be entirely calamitous. Losses all round would maintain the status quo, but City are sure to bite back. It may prove to be a day for the Premier League underdogs, but 45 minutes is a long time in football.
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Fully deserving their half-time lead at Anfield, an energetic Brighton side are 1-0 up against listless Liverpool. It was a typically patient team move that created Kadioglu's opening goal after 14 minutes, and the winger's unerring finish gave the Seagulls an advantage to defend. Rather than dropping back, they set about that task by piling forward, and Kelleher had to make a crucial save from Rutter, in addition to Welbeck twice coming close. Nunez was denied by Verbruggen, but the hosts have hardly threatened since. The half-time xG stands at 0.78 to 0,71 in Brighton's favour, suggesting they are good value for their lead.
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
In the first of two minutes added for stoppages, Welbeck takes a 20-yard free-kick. He strikes it cleanly, but too straight. Kelleher reaches out and takes the ball cleanly.
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