Liverpool did what was needed against a high-flying Brighton and they did it with real attacking flair in the first-half and a gritty second 45 minutes earning the Reds first win at Anfield in the Premier League this season. The swirling wind played it's part when the ball was in the air but the core influence was Liverpool's commitment to the cause with some determined and quality performances.
It's hard to be too critical of any of the Reds, not that it was perfect because we could have scored more and did give up some opportunities for Brighton but it was a well earned win with a clean sheet to sweeten the points gained. It's worth remembering that Brighton hadn't conceded a goal for 548 minutes as well a staggering +18 goal difference. Let's dig in and offer up the winners and losers.
Winners:
Ronald Araujoor Big Ron, after celebrating his second goal for Liverpool midweek with the fans he put in a performance that got the Kop singing his name and that's the highest approval (especially for a loanee).
Big Ron got himself another assist (technically his cross came off a Brighton player to Wirtz) through pure determination, class and passion he plays every moment with but he also blocked and tackled until the final whistle in such a manner it got Anfield on their feet roaring and chanting his name.
Florian Wirtzgets a mention for putting in the type of performance that is becoming increasingly normal which should keep the noise from getting any louder about his price tag and the expectations that come with it. His name might not be put alongside Liverpool's first goal but Wirtz still made it happen with the effort on goal but he also played some wonderful passes and was a key figure in most of the attacking flair that the Reds showed in the first-half.
Bradley Barcolaproved he is more than just a speed merchant down the wings with a very impressive defensive display that had Brighton trying to mostly attack down Liverpool's left flank where Cody Gakpo and Milos Kerkez were. That's not a criticism of either player as such but with Barcola and Araujo locking down the right side it was an obvious choice by the Brighton team.
Added to Barcola's defensive contributions he also got an assist for Liverpool's second where he showed his pace and played in the perfect cross for Alexander Isak to put away effortlessly (thanks to his rediscovered killer instinct when around the goal).
Losers:
There were no real losers even if the Ref made some decisions that seemed to favor Brighton and apart from that this writer could point to all noise around Liverpool's expensive signings not delivering enough. It's fair to say that the first-half flow of the attacking unit was very soothing to the eyes and there were at least a couple of great opportunities that should have been put away.
Wirtz taking a knock to his ankle which caused him to leave the game wasn't ideal and with the next game coming up on Wednesday it seems unlikely he will be available. Added to that was Trey Nyoni limping after a brave challenge in our penalty area and it's going to leave us all anxious to find out the extend of either injury.
Andoni Iraola's love for full energy play and aggressive press was there for all to witness as the Reds hunted down the ball in packs and was a clear sign that the nuances of a team effort are becoming like muscle memory. As mentioned with Barcola there was the tactical choice made by Brighton to attack the flank that was obviously the one felt to be the Reds weakest yet thankfully those efforts didn't bare fruit and the clean sheet was ours.
Liverpool hadn't managed a win at Anfield in the Premier League thus far this season and their opponents hadn't conceded a goal for a very long time whilst scoring plenty of goals themselves. Despite the positive gains since the loss to 114 City at Anfield there was still some nerves amongst supporters and pundits which speaks of there still being the need for the Reds to play in a way that earns complete trust in them to show up fully switched on. Today's game could be a turning point in that trust as every player showed up and collectively they held their own to earn a tough win and clean sheet.
Now that Liverpool are sitting in fourth spot just one point behind Brighton they have to gather themselves for a cup clash with Chelsea, minus Cole Palmer due to his suspension, at Anfield. With all the Reds anxiously waiting for news on Flo and Trey as well Dominik Szoboszlai there could be some rotation required and even possibly a chance for Wataru Endo to play. It also has to be noted that the following game is against Arsenal at Anfield so this is a big push needed by the players which may require some fresh legs and will definitely need big performances individually and collectively.
Things are certainly clicking though and the belief is growing. YNWA.
