Friday, April 26, 2024
Liverpool continued their relentless pursuit of a Premier League points record with victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The newly-crowned champions looked on course to secure three more points with ease when they went two up inside eight minutes as Brighton, with sights set on Premier League safety, made a nightmare start.
Naby Keita robbed Davy Propper in a dangerous position to set up Mohamed Salah before Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson swiftly swept home a superb second from 20 yards.
Brighton, however, fought back with real spirit and fully deserved to pull a goal back when Leandro Trossard fired a crisp finish past Liverpool keeper Alisson from the impressive Tariq Lamptey's cross.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stopped Brighton's progress with some astute substitutions and a corner from one, Andrew Robertson, was headed in by Salah for his 19th league goal of the season.
Brighton manager Graham Potter, whose side are edging towards preserving their top-flight status, were left to rue those opening minutes while Liverpool - with 92 - close in on Manchester City's 100-point Premier League landmark.
Liverpool have now won 30 of their 34 Premier League games this season (drawn two, lost two); this is the fastest any side has ever reached 30 wins in a season in the history of the English Football League.
Liverpool march relentlessly on
Liverpool had their uncomfortable moments in this game and their defending lacked its usual assurance in the face of a spirited Brighton response to those two early goals but in the end, as on so many occasions, they simply carried too much firepower and quality.
Klopp's pressing demands were in evidence as Brighton paid the price for a risky possession plan near their own goal early on and in Salah they have a reliable goal machine who is a proven world-class match-winner.
Some of Liverpool's players will want to make an impact before the end of the season, even with the club's first title in 30 years already won, and Keita was highly impressive for an hour before his substitution while teenager Neco Williams, given his first Premier League start in an unaccustomed position of left-back, had some uncomfortable moments but will be all the better for this experience.
Williams was replaced by Robertson at the interval but this was not so much a reflection of his performance but more Klopp not wanting to take any chances with the Welsh youngster on a yellow card.
Liverpool may not have been quite at their intense, irresistible best since clinching title, which is perfectly understandable.
However, they will to win, quality and sheer belief remain and they still have more history in their sights before the end of this stellar campaign.
Brighton can take encouragement
Brighton's impressive form since the season's re-start means they are now close to Premier League safety - but they have had two harsh lessons at home in the last week, first from Manchester United and now from Liverpool.
It will have been disappointing for manager Graham Potter but he will take heart from the manner in which Brighton responded to conceding two goals in the first eight minutes that would have seen many teams sink without trace against this Liverpool side.
Not here.
Brighton picked themselves up and gave Liverpool some real problems before they ran out of steam and ideas in the second half and Salah wrapped up the points for the champions.
There was still much to admire from Brighton's play, particularly teenage defender Lamptey, who was a real threat down the right flank and the quality of Trossard, whose goal was a masterpiece of technique and provides Potter's side with a real threat.
It may have been another home defeat but Potter's policies look certain to see Brighton still in the Premier League next term.
(Source: BBC)
