Liverpool 2–0 Brighton: Ekitike Shines as Salah Returns in Anfield Reboot

Liverpool’s turbulent week ended on a much-needed high as Arne Slot’s side beat Brighton 2–0 at Anfield, extending their unbeaten run to five games and securing a first home league win since early November. It was a performance built on early intensity, clinical moments and a rediscovered sense of structure — but also one that raised as many questions as it answered, particularly around the reintroduction of Mohamed Salah.

Slot had once again opted to leave his record-breaking forward on the bench, marking the third straight Premier League match Salah had not started. But a 26th-minute injury to Joe Gomez changed that script. Salah entered earlier than planned and played a decisive role, assisting Hugo Ekitike’s second goal from a well-delivered corner. It was his 277th Premier League goal involvement for Liverpool — a new record for a single club in the competition.

Yet the day belonged to Ekitike, whose relentless movement, conviction and composure drove Liverpool’s attack from the opening seconds.

Ekitike Strikes Inside a Minute

Liverpool made the perfect start, scoring what is now the Premier League’s quickest goal of the season after just 46 seconds. Gomez rose brilliantly at the back post, heading down into a dangerous area where Ekitike reacted first, cushioning one touch and lashing a volley past Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton’s vulnerability in the opening stages was surprising for a side that has often controlled matches under Fabian Hürzeler. But despite ceding possession (51.2% to Liverpool’s 48.8%), Brighton fashioned several excellent chances.

Diego Gómez was denied by an outstanding Alisson save when clean through on goal, while Jan Paul van Hecke’s line-breaking passes repeatedly opened Liverpool’s midfield. Brighton finished with an xG of 1.96, higher than Liverpool’s 1.82, and left Anfield wondering how they failed to score.

Salah Returns — And Reminds the Crowd Who He Is

Salah’s entrance came earlier than expected after Gomez suffered a thigh issue, forcing Dominik Szoboszlai back to right-back. The adjustment destabilised Liverpool’s structure at times, but Salah’s presence immediately lifted the tempo.

His 60th-minute corner was decisive — a beautifully weighted ball to the back post that found Ekitike completely unmarked for his second of the afternoon. The Frenchman’s header made it 10 goals for the season, and his second brace in consecutive league matches.

There were flashes of the Salah of old: sharp combinations, trademark diagonal runs and one glorious chance in stoppage time that he blazed wide. But with AFCON duty calling and his future still uncertain, this may yet prove to be his Anfield farewell — for now.

He left the pitch applauding all four sides of the stadium, the fans returning that ovation with equal warmth. Whatever has unfolded off the pitch, this was a reminder of the connection that still exists.

Brighton Waste Their Moment

For the third straight match in December, Brighton played well but left empty-handed. They generated 14 shots, enjoyed more possession than Liverpool, and found space repeatedly down Liverpool’s flanks. Yet they mustered only one shot on target, and several golden opportunities were squandered.

Gómez’s open-goal miss early in the second half was the moment that may sit with them longest. A minute later, substitute Brajan Gruda fired inches wide. Hürzeler’s side covered more ground than Liverpool (120.47km to 114.9km) and moved the ball with purpose, but could not land the punch their football merited.

Brighton’s frustrating December run — winless in nine Premier League matches this month — rolls on.

Slot Finds Relief — But Not Answers

For Arne Slot, the win offers respite rather than resolution. Liverpool were organised, sharper than in recent weeks, and defended set-pieces with renewed commitment. But deeper issues still loom: Salah’s role, Isak’s muted form, and the ongoing injuries that continually reshape Liverpool’s starting XI.

Still, this was a crucial step. Liverpool climb to sixth, rediscover momentum, and head to Tottenham with back-to-back wins and clean sheets — something that felt improbable after the chaos of Leeds.

As Slot said afterwards:

“Luck was on our side, but the performance was important too.”

For once, Liverpool made their luck count.