Liverpool ratings: Salah and Tsimikas lead to win against Brighton

Liverpool came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday, a result that takes them to the top of the table.

The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Ferdi Kadioglu's shot was perfectly placed on the inside of the post before going into the goal. Reds goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher later had to make a fine save from Georginio Rutter to prevent Liverpool from going 2-0 down.

Liverpool enjoyed a better spell towards the end of the first 45 minutes, although an arm injury to Ibrahima Konaté meant he was replaced by Joe Gomez, who had a chance with just his second touch of the game. Mohamed Salah missed the next big moment for coach Arne Slot's side with a tame finish that was saved after being passed through by Darwin Núñez.

A double substitution brought the hosts into action as Curtis Jones and Luis Díaz came on, and after Cody Gakpo's cross found its way to the equaliser, Salah made amends for his earlier miss with a sensational curling shot into the far corner to give Liverpool the lead.

The win puts the Reds at the top of the table following Manchester City's 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth.

Positive

Liverpool responded well after a slow start and earned the three points after their second half performance. They also benefited from results elsewhere after both Manchester City and Arsenal lost.

Negatives

Due to Konaté's arm injury, which required a substitution at half-time, it initially looks as if he could miss some time.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 7 — Liverpool's coach showed his tactical prowess against Brighton, giving his side more momentum in the second half, and his double substitution quickly saw the Reds turn the score around and take a 2-1 lead.

Player ratings

GK Caoimhin Kelleher, 6 — There was little Kelleher could do about the opening goal as Kadioglu's shot hit the post, while he also made a crucial save from Rutter later in the first half to keep the score at 1-0.

DF Kostas Tsimikas, 8 — The Greece international was very committed and one of Liverpool's best players on the day, making a number of important interventions that often made up for his team-mates' mistakes. Gomez created a great chance from a long free kick.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 – Several well-timed tackles helped Liverpool withstand the pressure and put an end to counter-attacks. He dominated the defense excellently throughout and increased his play in the second half.

DF Ibrahima Konate, 6 – He came close to equalizing with a shot on goal from a corner, but Liverpool fans will now have to wait in anticipation after the 25-year-old appeared uncomfortable as he walked off the pitch with his arm at half-time.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 – Alexander-Arnold's passing range wasn't quite at the highest level in the first half, so he gave the ball away in Liverpool's defensive third within the first two minutes. He improved after the break in a more central role and defended well towards the end of the game to overcome previous problems.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 6 – He improved in the second half as he began passing the ball through the midfield lines while also pressing more aggressively to win the ball back.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 – Mac Allister could have been more aware of Kadioglu's positioning for Brighton's opener, as the 25-year-old looked like he was closest to him before finding space to attack. Troubled the goalkeeper in the second half with a try where he also took a hit but wasn't as influential as usual before being pulled back for Jones.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 — Tried to get things going in the moments where Liverpool's build-up play was slow and produced a series of positive long passes that took his team into Brighton territory. Replaced by Díaz in the second half after a tactical change.

FW Cody Gakpo 6, — Gakpo was a standout performer for Liverpool in the second half, capping his performance with a goal that looked like an intended cross. Impressive when on the ball and also came close early in the game with a shot that flew past the post.

FW Darwin Núñez, 7 – The Uruguay international showed his composure as he slowed down inside the penalty area before firing a shot at goal, while he continued his impressive work rate as he returned to defence. Created Liverpool's best chance of the game with a shot at Salah and was unlucky not to get an assist. Played a role in Gakpo's goal after his run caused problems in the penalty area.

FW Mohamed Salah, 7 – He ran behind the defense and was disappointed when he missed a big chance in the second half, but he made up for it with a world-class performance to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Joe Gomez (Konaté, 45″), 7 — He had plenty of space and could have scored with his second touch, but the header didn't have enough direction to get past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Defended sharply throughout the game and consistently fended off danger for his team.

Luis Díaz (Szoboszlai, 66″), 6 — Bright had possession of the ball and seemed to cause problems with his dribbling. Had spells and impressed from both crosses, stretching the Brighton defense.

Curtis Jones (Mac Allister, 66″), 7 –– Registered the assist for Salah's shot in the second half, fought well in midfield and also excelled in his defensive work. In the final minute he used his body well to shield the ball before winning a foul, putting an end to Brighton's final attack.

Wataru Endo (Nunez, 77″), N/R –– Subbed on for Núñez in the 77th minute to secure the result and give the defense an anchor against Brighton attacks.

Conor Bradley (Salah, 90″), N/R — Came on for Salah in four minutes of added time as Liverpool tried to decide the game.