Egypt star Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool top of the Premier League with a clinical finish as they beat Brighton 2-1 on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp’s side were stunned by Danny Welbeck’s mammoth strike after just 85 seconds at Anfield. Luis Diaz equalized late in the first half and Salah scored after the break to seal a vital win. Salah’s third goal in the past three games was his 22nd in all competitions this season. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six league games and are two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, just hours after Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw with third-placed Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Treble-chasing Liverpool have dominated Klopp’s final season thanks to Salah as they aim for a record-equalling 20th English title and first since 2020 champion.

Klopp said of Salah: “It’s going to be a real goalscorer to stay calm in the decisive moments and get the best chances from the best football we play, so we’re very happy with everything. satisfy.”

“Brighton’s centre-halves were brilliant and it was a really good game against a team you knew was going to be the toughest opponent.

“Defending them requires the highest intensity of English football and we did that well. More possession, better possession, very good pace.”

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 27 home league games and return to Anfield to face lowly Sheffield United on Thursday.

After former Liverpool star Xavi Alonso confirmed his intention to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is reported to be Klopp’s replacement when he steps down at the end of the season candidate.

Klopp is a big fan of De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy and praised him as a “top coach” this week.

Asked about links with Liverpool after the game, De Zerbi said: “I have two years left on my contract. My focus this season and next season is Brighton.”

“But before next season starts, I want to hear the team’s plans. I think it’s a serious matter.”

Liverpool, playing for the first time since a humiliating defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals before the international break, received a shocking taste of De Zerbi’s aggressive tactics after just two minutes.

Salah attacks

Brighton’s Simon Ardinga broke through in a devastating counter-attack that knocked Liverpool right-back Connor Bradley out of position.

When Virgil van Dijk’s scuff clearance rolled to Welbeck in the box, the Brighton striker fired a shot into the top corner that left Klopp shaking his head.

Salah has been plagued by injuries at the start of 2024 and this is his first league start since New Year’s Day.

To make up for lost time, Salah nearly equalized with a curling shot.

The Egyptian forward once again threatened after receiving Bradley’s cross, but his shot from a good position from 10 yards failed to hit the target.

Liverpool’s dominance was rewarded in the 27th minute when Salah’s header from a Brighton corner failed to be blocked and Diaz volleyed home from close range.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis McAllister wasted an opportunity against his old club when he headed just wide early in the second half.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s 20-yard shot went over the far post, while Darwin Nunez was blocked by Bart Verbruggen at the near post.

Waves of Liverpool pressure pounded Brighton’s defence, before De Zerbi’s side collapsed in the 65th minute.

Mac Allister provided the catalyst, latching on to Salah’s run into the box with a perfect pass and the forward calmly fired a low shot past Verbruggen.

In a tense final, former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana should have punished his old club but his shot went wide, leaving Klopp relieved.

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