LIVERPOOL, OCT 25 (AGENCIES): Alexander Isak continued his impressive goalscoring form by finding the net for the third consecutive Premier League match as Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, handing the visitors only their second defeat of the season.
Liverpool took control with two goals in a four-minute spell in the first half. Brighton’s Pascal Gross inadvertently put the hosts ahead by diverting Florian Wirtz’s shot into his own net before Isak doubled the advantage with a clinical finish. Brighton arrived at Anfield having scored 23 goals in their opening seven league matches but struggled to convert their opportunities against a disciplined Liverpool defence. Liverpool capitalised on the reprieve, with Gross turning Wirtz’s effort into his own net to give the hosts the lead. Four minutes later, summer signing Bradley Barcola produced an excellent piece of attacking play, winning possession high up the pitch before driving forward and delivering a cut-back from the right wing for Isak to finish emphatically.
The goal was Isak’s sixth in the Premier League this season and further underlined his growing influence in Liverpool’s attack.
Brighton attempted to respond but lacked the cutting edge required to trouble the home side consistently. Ayari came close again with a curling effort from outside the penalty area, only to see his shot strike the post.
Liverpool maintained their defensive discipline in the second half, with substitute Trey Nyoni making a crucial last-ditch tackle inside the penalty area to deny Maxim De Cuyper a clear opportunity.
The hosts also threatened to extend their lead on the counter-attack but were unable to make the most of several promising openings. Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced important saves to deny Ronald Araujo and Cody Gakpo. Despite Brighton’s efforts, Liverpool restricted the visitors to just one shot on target, ensuring a comfortable finish at Anfield.
The victory marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive win in all competitions and their first Premier League home victory under manager Andoni Iraola. The result lifted Liverpool above Chelsea into fourth place in the standings, leaving them just one point behind Brighton.
For Brighton, the defeat ended their unbeaten run since August, while Liverpool’s performance offered further evidence that their attacking combination is beginning to deliver consistent results.
Results
Man United 0-3 Bournemouth
Palace 0-2 New Castle United
Hull City 1-1 Brentford
