Football News: Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - A Liverpool Perspective

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Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion

From a tired, lethargic, set of performances to this is like night and day. The week off has been mostly spent resting and recovering, it showed. Liverpool were at it from the start, dominated and destroyed a Brighton side who had no answer. They ended up spending most of the game just punting the ball clear under immense pressure. Brighton were far too defensive and handed over the initiative (their one forward Locadia spent most of the early part of the match screaming at team-mates to move forward before giving up and dropping in alongside them) but Liverpool needed to take advantage of it.

What did impress me was the lack of silliness at the back. Often LFC concede by trying to be clever at the back, rather than just putting the ball out for a corner and getting into position. Against Brighton there was a very clear policy of just clearing the ball and preparing for the corner. That is something that has been a real problem in the past, it has led to panics when a corner is conceded, because it has been clear the players were doing everything possible to avoid it. Now it felt calm and planned.

The best moment and MOTM has to go to Makka Salah for her appearance after the game. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend trying to find footage of her kickabout after the game. She captured the hearts of Anfield to the point when even her dad, Mo, got booed for taking the ball off her. It was a brilliant moment in a great party atmosphere and showed that, while Mo Salah may be the Egyptian King, his little princess is the queen of hearts.

Klopp - caught everyone by surprise with his team selection but it worked. Worked really well. The extra forward with a bit of height meant they were pegged back having to be ready for early crosses, making them loath to move out and let him in behind even when the wide players were deeper. It meant they had no cover for their full backs other than pulling back the wingers. All the pressure was on them and how they could cope.

Karius - another one of those games he could have played while lying in a hammock in the goalmouth sipping a cocktail.

Alexander-Arnold - was never put under any pressure defensively and got forward well, always being a threat but his final ball was not at his best.

Lovren - there have been some real signs of a partnership developing at the back, but particularly in that game. When one moved forward to challenge for a header or ball on the ground, the other was covering. They are beginning to look right together, like they have an understanding. That is more important than individual quality. Good towering header for his goal as well.

van Dijk - had a good game, worked well with Lovren, looked to launch attacks and was careful not to overplay.

Robertson - much better defensive performance from Robertson, though he was not really put under much pressure, that was partly through him making better decisions. He put the ball behind for a corner, when he was not sure, and then got into place to deal with the setpiece. Got forward well and scored his first goal.

Wijnaldum - played well, did not hide like he often does. I have seen videos of his 'great runs' from Dutch TV from past games, all of them seemed to miss the obvious that those runs were about drawing away opponents, he made no attempt to look for a ball. Against Brighton it was different. He was looking for the ball. Shame he could not connect cleanly with his chance on the edge of the box.

Henderson - once again he was key. He closed off Brighton's attacking threat really well and launched attacks.

Firmino - had a slightly different role, as he had a partner up front with him, however you would never have known there was anything different for him. Once again he was all over the pitch and was excellent. Should have added to the goal tally though.

Salah - created and scored, played for the team, chased back, worked hard. Salah was once more the Salah we have been watching all season. He looked fresh and fit and at it. He is turning into a true world superstar.

Mane - he has been getting better and better as the season goes on. If Mo and Bobby were not playing such amazing football everyone would be raving about him. The last few weeks, when everyone else has looked leggy, he has been the one player who has taken on games and been a standout for LFC.

Solanke - decent game, finally got his first goal for the club and caused problems all game. Looks much better with a partner to help him.

Subs:

Lallana - came on in the 74th minute, looked ready and up to speed despite the injuries. Replaced Mane and kept the pressure on well.

Woodburn - replaced Salah in the 84th minute. Never really got involved as the game was petering out by that point.

Ings - also came on in the 84th minute but in place of Firmino. Again had little involvement.

Written by Tris Burke May 15 2018 05:56:12