Liverpool beat Brighton to go top of the table

Jurgen Klopp recorded his 300th win as Liverpool's Manager, as the Reds came from behind to defeat Brighton at Anfield, to move back to the top of the table.

• Jurgen Klopp makes one change from the team that lost to United in the FA Cup
• Brighton stun Liverpool with a goal after just 94 seconds, as Danny Welbeck scores from the edge of the area
• Game is played at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity
• Luis Diaz equalises for Liverpool after 27 minutes, poking home from 8-yards
• Referee infuriates players and fans, awarding free kicks for nothing challenges
• HALF-TIME - Liverpool 1 - 1 Brighton
• Liverpool started the second half brightly, creating several good chances
• Mo Salah puts Liverpool ahead on 65 minutes with a neat finish after an excellent pass from Mac Allister
• Luis Diaz has goal ruled out for marginal offside after Liverpool break from a Brighton corner.
• FULL-TIME - Liverpool 2 - 1 Brighton

Match Summary

Anfield was in fine voice before the game, with a minute of applause for former Liverpool defender Larry Lloyd who sadly passed away this week.  But with just 94 seconds on the clock, Anfield was silenced as Danny Welbeck scored with a lovely strike from the edge of the box, after sloppy defending from the Reds.

It meant Liverpool would once again have to win after conceding the first goal, and they set about finding the equaliser with Salah bending one just past the far post, before Darwin Nunez had a good shout for a penalty waved away.  Referee David Coote then further incensed the home team by booking Alexis Mac Allister for blocking off Adingra, when replays showed there was little contact.

Liverpool continued to press for an equaliser, with the game being played at a quick pace, although the Brighton keeper was doing his best to slow things down, taking as long as possible over goal kicks and freekicks, even though was over an hour of the game left to play.

The Reds were not to be denied though, and got their reward in the 27th  minute, as Luis Diaz reacted quickest to a sliced clearance to poke home from 8 yards.

Despite the goal, Brighton continued to be a threat, with Adingra causing Bradley and Quansah plenty of problems down the right-hand side.  The referee too, continued to frustrate Liverpool, blowing for silly challenges and hesitating over decisions, with Jamie Carragher suggesting on commentary that the referee may be getting advice from the fourth official.  As the game neared halftime, both teams continued to create good openings, without testing either keeper.

Neither manager made any changes at halftime, but Jurgen Klopp's team talk had the desired effect, as the Reds started the half much the better team, pressing high up the pitch, winning the ball back, and creating several good chances.  And in the 65th minute, Mo Salah finally converted one of those chances, cooly finishing from inside the box after an excellent pass from Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool thought they had extended their lead a few minutes later, only for Luis Diaz's effort to be ruled out for a marginal offside.  And Liverpool would have loved a two-goal cushion as the game ticked towards 90 minutes, with Brighton gaining in confidence and the Anfield crowd growing nervous.  Those nerves weren't helped when the fourth official held up six minutes of extra time, but Liverpool held on for a vital win that moved them back to the top of the table.

Liverpool vs Brighton match stats

Possession
Liverpool - 55% - 45% Brighton

Total Shots
Liverpool 30 - 9 Brighton

Shots on Target
Liverpool 8 - 3 Brighton

Corners
Liverpool 8 - 4 Brighton

Fouls
Liverpool 20 - 6 Brighton

Man of the Match

Alexis Mac Allister - 9/10 - Another master class from Mac Allister, controlling the midfield, picking passes, and driving the Reds forward.

What's Next

Liverpool has another home game on Thursday 4th of April when struggling Sheffield United travel to Anfield in the Premier League.

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