Liverpool 2-1 Brighton: Mohamed Salah to the rescue for Arne Slot's Reds as Premier League leaders down Seagulls - Eurosport

Mo Salah scored the decisive goal for Liverpool, leading the team to victory after they came from behind against Brighton at halftime.

The Seagulls dominated the first half and fully deserved their lead, which was secured by a brilliant shot from Ferdi Kadıoglu.

The score remained unchanged until the middle of the second half, thanks to the efforts of both goalkeepers. Caoimhin Kelleher made a crucial save against Georginio Rutter, who was in a good scoring position, while Bart Verbruggen successfully stopped shots from both Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool got a bit fortunate with the equalizer in the 70th minute when Cody Gakpo's cross missed everyone in the middle and found its way into the far corner. However, there was no need for luck just two minutes later when Salah scored a classic goal, cutting in from the right and unleashing an unstoppable shot to secure the win.

The victory, combined with Manchester City's defeat to Bournemouth, puts Liverpool two points ahead at the top of the standings, while Brighton sits in seventh place.

"Trophy Era Continues Until Egyptian King Leaves"

With Jurgen Klopp's long exit from Anfield, many believed that Liverpool would enter a phase of transition. It was thought that Arne Slot's challenge would be similar to what Manchester United managers experienced following the tenures of Sirs Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson.

The truth is that Liverpool truly started to thrive under the German coach when Salah joined the team. They improved from finishing eighth in the 2016/17 season to securing a top-four spot and reaching the UEFA Champions League final the next year. This success led to them winning seven trophies over the next six years.

Similar to the successful period Liverpool enjoyed in the 1970s and 1980s under four different managers, this current era may continue until Salah departs from the club, regardless of who is managing at that time.

At 32 years old and with his contract expiring in the summer, Salah is in an excellent position to negotiate for a few more seasons while earning a salary comparable to the top earners in the Premier League. This will help him resist the financial appeal of moving to Saudi Arabia.

As Trent Alexander-Arnold might leave at the end of the season, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work to do at Anfield. However, the impact he's had in the last two matches highlights how crucial the Egyptian star is for maintaining the positive momentum of Slot's early time in charge going forward.

Yasin Ayari: Player Of The Match For Brighton

Brighton is known for its impressive ability to sign players and develop them into top talents, a feat that many teams in the Premier League admire. Swedish midfielder Ayari seems poised to be the next success story. While he faced some hard challenges from Liverpool in the second half, he showcased his exceptional passing skills and smart teamwork throughout most of the match. His assist to Rutter could have easily led to a second goal for Brighton.

Liverpool: Kelleher 7; Alexander-Arnold 6, Konate 6, Van Dijk 6, Tsimikas 7; Mac Allister 6, Gravenberch 6; Salah 8, Szoboszlai 6, Gakpo 6; Nunez 7.

Substitutes: Gomez 7, Jones 6, Diaz 6, Endo 6, Bradley.

Brighton: Verbruggen 7; Veltman 7, Van Hecke 6, Julio 6, Estupinan 6; Kadioglu 7, Ayari 8*, Hinshelwood 6, Mitoma 7; Rutter 6, Welbeck 7. Brighton: Verbruggen received a 7; Veltman also got a 7, while Van Hecke, Julio, and Estupinan each scored 6. Kadioglu earned a 7, with Ayari standing out at 8*, and Hinshelwood was rated at 6, along with Mitoma who got a 7. Rutter scored 6, whereas Welbeck achieved a 7.

Substitutes: Gruda, Wieffer, Adingra, Moder, and Ferguson.

**9' FANTASTIC SAVE BY VERBRUGGEN!** Nunez was just moments away from scoring a magnificent goal. He skillfully lifted the ball over an opponent in the center circle and made his way toward the left side of the penalty area. After cutting inside, he aimed for the top corner, but the Brighton goalkeeper managed to extend his left hand and deflect the shot away.

14' GOAL! LIVERPOOL 0-1 BRIGHTON (KADIOGLU) Mitoma surged toward the Liverpool defense and sent a pass into the box that Welbeck accidentally redirected toward Kadioglu. With a moment to gather himself, Kadioglu unleashed a powerful shot that soared in off the post.

27' GREAT SAVE BY KELLEHER! Ayari delivered an excellent pass, allowing Rutter to outmaneuver Van Dijk. In a one-on-one situation, Kelleher anticipated the shot well, spreading his body to make the block.

36' KADIOGLU MISSES OPPORTUNITY FOR A SECOND GOAL! What a brilliant counterattack! Mitoma and Welbeck combined well in the Brighton half, then connected again just outside the Liverpool penalty area. Mitoma ultimately sent a ball to the back post for Kadioglu, but he struggled with the height and ended up blasting his volley over the crossbar.

47' GOMEZ MISSES A BIG OPPORTUNITY! The Reds' player is yet to find the net for his team. As the Brighton defenders moved up to cover a free kick, he was perfectly positioned but ended up directing his unmarked header right at Verbruggen.

56' VERBRUGGEN STOPS SALAH IN A ONE-ON-ONE! Salah seizes on a flick from Nunes and sprints towards the goal. As the Brighton goalkeeper rushes out quickly, Salah attempts to lift the ball over him. However, Verbruggen manages to extend his arm to deflect the shot and then grabs the ball.

70' GOAL! LIVERPOOL (GAKPO) 1-1 BRIGHTON! Gakpo cuts in from the left side and sends a cross into the area that goes past all the players before finding the back of the net in the far corner.

72' GOAL! LIVERPOOL (SALAH) 2-1 BRIGHTON! This is the kind of goal you expect from Mo Salah. He receives a pass from Jones just outside the right back position, then skillfully cuts inside Estupinan before firing a powerful shot past Verbruggen into the far corner of the net.

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