At Anfield on Saturday, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, with both goals coming from Hugo Ekitike.
Pre-match discussions largely revolved around Mohamed Salah’s position, as he started among the substitutes. However, these concerns quickly dissipated just 47 seconds into the game when a peculiar defensive clearance by Yankuba Minteh was seized by Joe Gomez. Gomez won a header deep in Brighton’s half, brilliantly redirecting it to Ekitike inside the box. Ekitike controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful shot beyond Bart Verbruggen, putting Liverpool ahead.
During the first half, Ekitike generated several additional scoring opportunities but failed to convert them. Brighton also created an opening, with Diego Gomez’s attempt thwarted by a spectacular save from Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. Diego Gomez concluded the half fortunate not to be sent off, receiving only a yellow card for a high boot to Florian Wirtz’s chest, a decision confirmed after a VAR review.
In the second half, Diego Gomez squandered a significant opportunity to equalize for Brighton, failing to convert into an unguarded net while sliding in at the far post to connect with Mats Wieffer’s low delivery from the right flank.
Salah, introduced in the 25th minute as a substitute for the sidelined Joe Gomez, provided the assist for Ekitike’s second goal. He delivered a precisely curled corner kick towards the back-post, finding Ekitike completely unmarked, allowing him to powerfully head the ball past Verbruggen.
Liverpool subsequently had chances to extend their advantage, particularly through Salah, who found himself with two clear counter-attacking situations during stoppage time. However, he sent one shot high over the crossbar following a pass from Federico Chiesa, and then sent another pass too far for Andy Robertson.
Ultimately, Ekitike’s brace proved sufficient, securing Liverpool’s initial victory at Anfield in four matches, and just their third Premier League triumph across their past eleven fixtures.
