Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 Liverpool: 5 Hits and Flops, Premier League 2018/19
Liverpool are proving substantial at the back as they grind out yet another 1-0 win which is crucial for any title challenging team. The Reds looked off the pace in the first half and lacked any sorts of creativity and was not able to penetrate the Seagulls midfield.
The Reds entered into the second part of the game in entirely different shape with much more precision in their passion and trenchancy in their way to go past players. Mohamed Salah was running circus inside the penalty box, and he was tripped by Pascal Gross who proved to be the culprit for the hosts. The Egyptian took the penalty and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper Button.
The entire defence of Liverpool held well to secure all three points despite the early substitutions made by Houghton throw in Anthony Knockaert, Florin Andone, and Beram Kayal. Despite having supreme organization throughout the game, Brighton were awful in their final third helping Liverpool's course.
Jurgen Klopp would certainly demand more from his players following this game, but he would be more than happy to take three points and a clean sheet away after two back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and the FA Cup against Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With this win, they have extended their lead at the top to seven points, and Manchester City will be in action on Monday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In this piece, we shall look at five hits and flops from the game.
#1 Hit - Fabinho
Dejan Lovren was forced to be withdrawn on Monday night, Liverpool had selection crisis ahead of this game. Jurgen Klopp's side had only one centre-back at disposal - Virgil Van Dijk. It is a no brainer that the Brazilian is having to play in this position with his tremendous versatility.
Throughout the game, he was able to keep Glenn Murray silent who was struggling to find his feet. It was an even contest with the striker, but the Liverpool makeshift defender was able to win four aerial duels and clear the ball five times which is the most by any player.
During the second half, Pascal Gross took a shot from close range, but he stood up to the task by closing down the attacker and was able to block the shot. That interception proved to be crucial as the Reds were able to rely on Salah's spot-kick which proved to be the difference.