PLAYER RATINGS: BRIGHTON 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Liverpool earned their eighth consecutive Premier League victory by overcoming Brighton at the Amex stadium. A Luis Diaz header separated the sides at the break, before a Salah penalty sealed the win in the second half. Read on for player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 7.5

Tremendous reaction save to tip Welbeck’s close range shot over the bar late on. That was a very sharp save as it all happened quickly. Stood tall to make another block at his near post from March as the clock ticked down.

Alexander-Arnold – 6.5

Solid if not spectacular. Strong defensively, was aggressive and kept Cucurella and co quiet. Going forward he didn’t have the usual quality with the final ball. Looked tired late on as did the whole team to be fair. It’s been a gruelling schedule.

Matip – 8

Our best player on the day bar Diaz. He was strong in the air even when targeted by two. Won his defensive headers and stood strong in the face of Brighton pressure. Opened the game up with a sensational pass to find Diaz in behind the defense. Went on another marauding run to the edge of the box but Trent had strayed offside for the pass.

Van Dijk – 6.5

Solid enough but a few sloppy moments. One header across to Matip didn’t have enough on it and was pounced upon by Maupay. Lost a header to McAllister of all people and Maupay shot over. He played the team into trouble with a slack pass on the halfway line but was bailed out by an excellent Thiago tackle. Welbeck then ran across him to fire at goal but Alisson made a stunning save.

Robertson – 6.5

Too easily shoved off the ball by March early on but Diaz sprinted back to cover. Grew into the game and got up and down the pitch but his deliveries were a letdown. It was summed up late on when he pulled the ball behind the three Liverpool players waiting in the box after Diaz had sent him scampering down the left. Strong defensive display however.

Fabinho – 7

Lost the first few duels as Brighton started strong. Grew into it and put in a solid shift. Was booked for a late challenge in the second half but it was another solid display by the Brazilian.

Henderson – 6.5

Full of energy and running, and cajoled his teammates throughout demanding full intensity. Won the ball back a few times but was not decisive enough on the ball. He was urged to shoot second half and it was a tame effort straight at Sanchez. Overhit a pass to ruin a counter late on and was subbed not long after.

Keita – 6.5

Another who had a few sloppy moments early on. Settled like his teammates did and put in a decent shift for the side. Bailed out by Mike Dean after losing out to Bissouma in his defensive third. Few minutes later, his shot in the box was blocked by the Malian’s outstretched hand for a penalty. He won that particular head to head.

Salah – 7

Drew the ire of his manager when he elected to go alone after doing well to shrug off Bissouma on the counter. To be fair to him, the pass wasn’t on. Screwed a very good chance wide after excellent work by Diaz. Redeemed himself from the spot but picked up a knock straight after. Hopefully it’s not too serious.

Mané – 6.5

His touch when playing through the middle has to be better. Too often he loses the ball and the opposition break on the counter. He was involved though, caused a number of problems for their backline. Sent a tame shot at Sanchez after a strong run. Anonymous when he switched to the right wing after Mo went off. Tired.

Diaz – 8.5

Was absolutely outstanding. The best player on the pitch today. Not only his work on the ball but how hard he worked for the team in covering for Robertson and tracking Lamptey all the way. Scored a brave header and took a clattering from Sanchez. Set up chances for Salah and was generally very assured on the ball.

His touch to kill lofted balls was exquisite. He won several fouls for his side and committed a few of his own to disrupt Brighton’s attempt to build up. Also drew Klopp’s ire late on when he went for goal instead of squaring for Jota for a tap in.

Substitutes

Thiago – 6.5

Gave the ball away trying to dribble with his first involvement. Made up for it with a fantastic tackle to halt a Brighton counter. Played an amazing pass over the top to send Diaz away. The pass deserved a finish.

Jota – 6

Played through the middle but didn’t really get a sniff of goal. Was taken out by a terrible tackle after a sweet turn on McAllister. Was begging for a tap in late on but the pass from Diaz never came.

Milner – N/A

On in the 85th minute to help quell the late onslaught. Did just that, winning a few duels in midfield.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer picked a strong side with arguably his most in form forwards starting. It was a tough afternoon but his troops worked hard to get the win. His substitutes all contributed to the cause with solid showings. 8 league wins on the spin. Pressure back on City with the gap down to 3 points.