Hugo Ekitike Scores Brace As Liverpool Claim Decisive Victory Over Brighton

 

Picture source: Sky Sports 

Liverpool came out victorious in their faltering Premier League campaign, took on Brighton, who are in the quest for the European spots, and won by 2-1 at Anfield Stadium 

The Reds had just returned from a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Inter Milan in midweek. which provided some much-needed respite for Liverpool and boss Arne Slot, who left Mohamed Salah out of the squad after his explosive interview last week.

Hugo Ekitike set the tone with the opening goal in the first minutes. Yankuba Minteh's floppy defensive clearance gifted the ball to the striker, who volleyed the ball into the top of the post. Ekitike doubled the lead with a glance header following a Mohamed Salah's cross. 

Earlier in the second half, Ekitike led a counterattack and played in Salah, whose shot forced Bart Verbruggen's save. Diego Gomez had the clearest chance to level the terms for Brighton, but narrowly missed. 

However, Brighton head to Merseyside in eighth place, just three points shy of the top four after a poorly timed two-match winless run. 

Overview 

Liverpool's lead was followed by a couple of missed opportunities from Brighton. It was a first half that should have ended on equal terms, at least. Brighton did not seize the moments. The Reds barely had those chances. 

Besides, Gomez wasted opportunities. Georginio Rutter had the chance to play in Minteh in a fast break, but held the ball for too long. Likewise, Minteh wasted his in the closing minutes; instead of playing to an oncoming teammate, he attempted a shot that was too weak to bother Verbruggen.