Liverpool beat Brighton to end winless run
Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 on Saturday night at Anfield, returning to winning ways in the Premier League during matchday 16. French striker Hugo Ekitike was the star of the show, scoring both goals to secure a crucial three points for the Reds.
The victory lifted Liverpool to sixth place in the league standings with 26 points, while Brighton slipped to ninth with 23 points after another frustrating away performance.
Early strike gives Liverpool instant control
Liverpool made the perfect start, capitalizing on a costly Brighton defensive mistake inside the opening minute. Joe Gomez intercepted the ball and headed it into the path of Ekitike inside the penalty area. The Frenchman showed great composure to fire a powerful shot past the goalkeeper.
Brighton attempted to respond quickly, but Alisson was alert to deny Diego Gomez from close range, while Rutter narrowly missed the target with a low effort from the right flank.
Liverpool continued to threaten, with Ekitike going close on multiple occasions and Alexis Mac Allister seeing a clear chance saved brilliantly by Verbruggen.
Salah returns and sparks creativity
The match took an unexpected turn in the 24th minute when Joe Gomez was forced off through injury. Mohamed Salah was introduced earlier than planned, making his first appearance since recent off-field controversy.
Salah immediately made his presence felt, creating several dangerous openings for his teammates. He delivered precise passes into the box, including one that nearly resulted in a second goal for Ekitike, while Liverpool maintained control heading into halftime with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ekitike seals the win after the break
Brighton showed more attacking intent early in the second half, but Liverpool remained dangerous on the counter. Ekitike continued to test the visitors’ defense with powerful long-range efforts, while Brighton wasted key chances that could have brought them level.
The decisive moment arrived in the 60th minute. Salah delivered an excellent corner kick to the far post, where Ekitike rose highest to head the ball firmly into the net, completing his brace and doubling Liverpool’s advantage.
Brighton’s pressure fails to change the outcome
Brighton introduced fresh legs in an attempt to revive their attack, and Mitoma came close with a curling effort that narrowly missed the post. Despite late pressure and several half-chances, the visitors were unable to beat Alisson.
Liverpool nearly added a third goal late on, with Salah missing a clear opportunity from close range, but the miss did not affect the final outcome.
Final thoughts
Liverpool beat Brighton thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s clinical finishing and Mohamed Salah’s influential return, a result that restores confidence and keeps the Reds firmly in the hunt for European places as the season progresses.
