In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Anfield, Mohamed Salah's spectacular strike played a pivotal role in Arne Slot's remarkable achievement as Liverpool's manager. The Reds secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, marking Slot as the first Liverpool boss to win eight of his opening ten league games. This historic win underlined the impressive start to Slot's tenure, showcasing both his tactical acumen and the team's resilience.
After resting eight players during Liverpool's midweek 3-2 EFL Cup victory over Brighton, Darwin Núñez returned to the starting XI with an eagerness to make an impact. He nearly did just that with an early chance, demonstrating his strength as he shrugged off defender Jack Hinshelwood. Núñez cut past Joël Veltman and aimed for the top corner, but his efforts were denied by an outstanding save from Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.
Despite their recent defeat, Brighton exuded confidence and struck first. Ferdi Kadıoğlu continued the Seagulls' scoring streak against Liverpool, netting his team's opener with a powerful shot that hit the post after connecting with Danny Welbeck’s flicked pass. This goal marked Brighton's fifth consecutive match with a score against the Reds, further solidifying their attacking prowess.
As Liverpool intensified their efforts to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, Brighton remained a formidable opponent, creating significant chances of their own. A long pass from Yasin Ayari found Georginio Rutter, who looked poised to double the visitors' lead. However, Caoimhín Kelleher's quick reflexes denied him, keeping Liverpool within striking distance.
As the first half progressed, Kadıoğlu threatened to further unsettle the Reds but volleyed over from a cross by Kaoru Mitoma. Liverpool went into the halftime break trailing, a rare occurrence this season, as Brighton became the only Premier League side to lead at Anfield at that point.
The second half saw an urgent response from Liverpool. Salah, aiming for his tenth career goal against Brighton, was once again thwarted when he found himself one-on-one with Verbruggen. However, it was Cody Gakpo, the tormentor from Wednesday’s encounter, who brought Liverpool back on level terms. Gakpo’s cross eluded all defenders and found its way into the net, marking his third goal in two matches against Brighton.
With the momentum firmly in their favor, Liverpool surged forward, and Salah soon made his mark. He drifted into the penalty area, curling a precise shot high past Verbruggen, securing his fourth goal against Brighton in just three league appearances. Anfield erupted as the Reds took the lead, and Slot's men demonstrated their defensive resilience, becoming the only Premier League team not to concede in the final 15 minutes of a match.
As the final whistle blew, Liverpool not only celebrated a crucial three points but also ascended to the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Brighton’s late-game woes continued, as they found themselves with just two wins from their last eight outings, slipping to seventh in the standings. This match not only highlighted Slot's burgeoning legacy at Liverpool but also illustrated the ongoing challenges faced by Brighton under Fabian Hürzeler.
In the end, Salah's stunning strike was more than just a goal; it symbolized a moment of history for Slot and a pivotal step in Liverpool's pursuit of Premier League glory.
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