Mohamed Salah scores from the spot as off-colour Liverpool stretch advantage over Man City back to seven points

Mohamed Salah scores from the penalty spot
Mohamed Salah scores from the penalty spot Credit: action images

From their great triumphs of December to the cold realities of January, so the road to May opens up in front of Liverpool with their first win of the new year on an afternoon when it was so much closer than it should have been for Jurgen Klopp’s title-chasing players.

The home team never managed an attempt on target all game – be it shot, header, scuff or miscue - although when the ball went into the Liverpool area three minutes into injury-time, you could tell Klopp could just envisage disaster for his team. There was a half-clearance from Trent Alexander-Arnold and eventually the ball was hacked away as this game crawled towards its conclusion one way or another.

They will say that these are the kind of non-events that every putative champion must raise themselves to win and perhaps that is all that matters when Liverpool’s manager looks at the table on Sunday morning. It felt a far cry in the first half from the defeats dished out to Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle and Arsenal last month before at last the unbeaten run was ended by Manchester City on Jan 3.

They got there in the end by virtue of Mohamed Salah’s penalty after the Egyptian had first been dragged back at the shoulder by Pascal Gross and then had his legs kicked away from underneath him. Amid a rigorous Brighton display this was their chief error and they paid dearly for it, trying in the second half to shift from containment to attack without much luck at all. It was not just that they had only 29 per cent of the possession, it was that they scarcely laid a glove on Liverpool.

Afterwards Klopp talked enthusiastically about the maturity of his players to see the game out, the way they organised themselves following Salah’s penalty and made sure that there were no mistakes. “Not making mistakes is actually impossible in football,” Klopp said. “But you can do it without making decisive mistakes, and that’s what we did. We won and I am absolutely happy about that.”

Those defeats to City and then with a much-changed team against Wolves in the FA Cup are behind this Liverpool team with their lead back up to seven points at the top of the table. The visit of Wolves to City comes on Monday when the expectation is that Pep Guardiola’s team will close the gap up to four points again before Crystal Palace visit Anfield next weekend. There is no room for error and on days such as these against the solid, well-organised Brighton team that Klopp heaped with praise afterwards, it is the concentration that he looks for in his players.

“We are not the Harlem Globetrotters,” he said later. “And we have to deliver results and it is difficult enough for that. We have to perform and the performance was good. It was not the best performance of the season but from a maturity point of view it was excellent. On a good day anyone can win games, on an average day some can win games and on a bad day only a few can win.”

He played Fabinho at centre-back ahead of Joel Matip, left on the bench, reasoning that if his team were to have so much of the ball he would be better off with an adapted midfielder who would be able to pass it fluently. There was an injury scare for Alexander-Arnold in the warm-up when he appeared to roll his ankle and Klopp said later he was concerned he could discern a limp in his full-back. The 20 year-old had it strapped up and carried on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) gets a foot in
Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) gets a foot in Credit: getty images

For the home crowd there was general dismay at what they felt was a series of close decisions going against them from referee Kevin Friend, and that perspective was reflected in Chris Hughton’s touchline irritation. The Brighton manager politely confirmed later that he felt the borderline calls had all gone the way of the away team.

It felt a reckless challenge from Gross for the penalty just four minutes after half-time when he grabbed at Salah and then kicked out too. “I feel for Pascal because Mohamed Salah is probably the most dangerous player in this position,” Hughton said, but it turned out that this was the moment that decided the match. After four games undefeated, Brighton never found a way back in and while Klopp admired their big five-man midfield it was a different story as they chased the game.

“It’s always a disappointment [not to have an attempt on goal] but I was conscious of the type of team we were up against,” Hughton said. “The most important thing is to stay in the game. If you play open and expansive and you find yourself two or three goals down there is generally no way back from that. I thought it was the right tactics against the best team in the country. I am delighted we ran them as close as we did.”

Even so, it did not feel like the most entertaining side in the country as Liverpool struggled to get the ball moving quickly in the first half. It felt like they were waiting for a mistake from Brighton which came eventually. By the same token, Liverpool were guarding against giving away attacking free-kicks that would allow the home team to unleash Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk on the opposition area. Even when Liverpool scored it took a while for Brighton to try to force the issue and, as a result, it felt like a very slow-burner of a match.

By the end Hughton had sent on Anthony Knockaert and Florin Andone to try to force the matter but it was too late. As one would expect of the great Dutchman, Virgil van Dijk took care of the more direct approaches that Brighton attempted. On days like these, when the defence cannot afford to put a foot wrong, he is invaluable.

Another 16 games stand between Liverpool and the historic achievement of what would be the club’s first league title in 29 years. Klopp said that it was never a concern for him that his team would return to winning ways and there is no doubt that he believes in these players. As the finale looms into view he was talking about maturity and avoiding the kind of mistakes that have undermined previous title bids, and that mantra is likely to be the reality from now on.

                                                                                                    

Jurgen Klopp post-match

We are Liverpool, we have to win football games. We should be used to it, it's like you don't want to draw here, you need these moments. Keep them busy, play them around, try to create, if you have found a way, use it a second or a third time maybe. Our second ball play, there were no clear clearances, winning these balls would have helped, so we had to use the penalty, that's football, fair enough.

FULL TIME

Liverpool scrape through to get a very important win! The title chase continues!

90 mins+4 - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Brighton have men over here! The cross comes in from right, Alexander-Arnold swings and misses - there's a chance to score... it's just behind the striker. The ball is lumped into the middle, a Brighton player goes down in the box holding his jaw claiming Van Dijk caught him but the referee doesn't care. The chance is gone. 

Klopp sends on Origi for the final 30 seconds. Salah takes his time to leave the pitch. 

90 mins+2 - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Naby Keita is on for Mane. Van Dijk is receiving some treatment for... something. Then he's furious at Alexander-Arnold for not being in the right place at the right time. The referee is having to have words with both sets of players, which won't please Brighton considering they're fighting the clock.

90 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

What a miss. How has Salah managed that? Milner keeps the ball in play (or does he?) at the goal line, crosses low and Salah stabs a foot at it and knocks the ball wide from about four yards. Brighton fans cheer ironically as they are awarded a free-kick in the Liverpool half. The referee's had a good game so I don't quite know what it is they think is so unfair about the awarding of free-kicks.

88 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Mane has a two v two! Salah has been magic this evening, creating things out of thin air. Mane opts not to return the pass to Salah, twists and turns inside the box and shoots on his left foot, putting it wide. Mane hasn't been great today.

85 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Credit: PA

 Liverpool are still working really hard to win the ball back. Henderson chases the ball towards the goal line, Firmino tracks a 20 yard run to make a tackle... Brighton can't get close to the Liverpool box.

83 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool have everyone behind the ball now but Mane's able to nip onto a loose pass and run at the defence! He tries a heel chop to cut inside but it's ill advised and gives the defence an easy tackle to make. Brighton might not have enough in them to find a equaliser here.

81 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Beautiful control by Salah! He kills the ball dead from the air, passes inside to Firmino, who flicks it to Salah who tricks his way to Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum tucks the ball onto his left foot and shoots from 20 yards... but it's narrowly wide! 

80 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Bong finds space down the left wing and charges into it. Mane doesn't do enough, doesn't stop the cross and Andone meets it at the front post! Just wide! That was a half chance. The Brighton surge is coming. Can Liverpool hang on? 

77 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Brighton's attacking play is still too slow, Liverpool are able to get back behind the ball and deal with danger then pass it around a bit. The home crowd is getting a little agitated.

74 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool do a bit of attacking, Alexander-Arnold whips in a couple of crosses from wide right... but Brighton clear their lines.

71 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Liverpool are slowing things down again. Seems like they're happy with a 1-0. Van Dijk and Fabinho pass between each other, waiting for Brighton to close them before passing forwards.

68 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Brighton have a corner... it misses everyone and win another corner. Signs that Brighton are slowly getting back into this.

65 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Double substitution for Brighton, March and Murray off, Knockaert and Andone on.

62 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Brighton manage to open up the Liverpool defence again but Stephens shot is harmlessly wide. Yes, the same Stephens who plays at centre-back.

 

59 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Van Dijk and Fabinho are reading and dealing with any danger sent their way like they've played together at centre-back for years. Brighton still haven't had a shot on target... but suddenly the ball has dropped in the box! GROSS CAN SHOOT! Ohhh it's blocked by Fabinho! A cross from right opened up the chance to shoot there but Liverpool survive.

56 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

Brighton just can't keep the ball. Liverpool are so good at winning it back that any attempts to come out from the back are being swiftly broken down and the ball goes back into Liverpool's possession.

53 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 1

 That goal might not change Brighton's approach too much. I can see them staying patient until the 70th or 80th minute before launching surges of attacks to chase a way back into the game. There's no point opening up now and being torn apart.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!

SALAH SCORES! What a penalty! He's nearly taken the net off with that!

 

PENALTY!

It's a clear penalty! Salah runs into space, turns his man, waits for contact, gets dragged to the floor by his shirt and the referee doesn't have a problem calling that one.

This is exactly what Liverpool needed.

 

48 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

No change in style or tactics for this second half by the looks of things. But Brighton have lost their shape for the first time in the match! Stephens comes forward and leaves space in behind, Salah is onto the ball over the top, moves towards the box and drills a low shot powerfully into the goalkeeper.

 

KICK OFF 2

We're back! Hooray!

Some graphics to help anlayse that game

 

HALF TIME

That's all for the first half!

45 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

There's an outball for Brighton and it's a long pass over the top for a forward to chase. It is not working particularly well but you never know, another 30 goes of this and something is bound to stick.

44 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Brighton have the ball! March comes forward, turns back... passes back... the goalkeeper chips it and Gross is in the attack now! Fabinho is neat and tidy at the back, Alisson plays out from the back but possession is turned over and then there's a free-kick given for a late challenge on Robertson. 

42 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Day 80.

Still no goals. I haven't eaten in three hours, the light of the office ceiling makes it feel like early evening... it is early evening. Still Liverpool pass, still Brighton defend behind the halfway line. Will we ever see a goal? It is too soon to say. 

39 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool

You aren't defeated

You need to score

Liverpool

Passing in midfield for ever more

Liverpool

Couldn't score goals if you wanted to

Liverpool

Knowing your fate is to draw 0-0

Wow wow wow wow

Liverpool

Chris Hughton sure knows how to line up a defence

The last line isn't perfect, but I think it's important. On the pitch, nothing's really happened of note. Liverpool have chucked a few crosses near the box, Brighton have waited to counter.

36 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Let's write a song while we wait for some goal action. 

Mane, Mane, Mane

Is a forward

For the Liverpool 

Mane, Mane, Mane

Always running

He is very fast

There's no way this isn't a bonafide hit in waiting. Over to you Liverpool fans!

34 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Brighton are a decent team by the way and this strategy not only makes sense but could definitely work. Liverpool having to work hard to gain territory, Brighton organised and defending very well.

31 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Mane tries to turn his man on the box, feels a touch and goes down holding his leg. He's in pain! Penalty! The referee doesn't care and miraculously, this decision making has a transcendental effect on Mane, who is immediately fine to continue. Small miracles. Absolute scenes. Soccer.

29 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

 That graphic more or less summarises what we're seeing. Lots of Liverpool passing between the centre-backs, patient, waiting, trying... then Brighton hit direct passes to get the ball forward quickly on the counter.

27 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Credit: REUTERS

I'm not sure why photographers like these sorts of photographs, where you can't really see anything, enough to publish them to our photo database but it happens a lot more than you might think. While they're doing that, Fabinho is busy accidentally returning Glenn Murray's favour and catching him with an arm across his face. Arms aren't supposed to go there.  

Alexander-Arnold has sent a left-footed cross into the box which Shaqiri heads wide. That's probably the closest they've come so far.

24 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool pass pass pass, Brighton wait, blocking the middle of the pitch in a 5-4-1. Now and again a centre-back launches it towards a chasing forward but Brighton are coping with the danger well. Salah's won a corner from that latest set play.

21 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Fabinho knows that Murray is there now, having had a forearm smashed across his face competing for a header. Old school striker rule #5894

18 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Alexander-Arnold is struggling. Apparently he fell over a ball during the warm up and it wasn't just his pride that was wounded. I can only assume he's rolled his ankle? I've done that before. It sucks. Milner is doing warmups again on the sidelines. 

Liverpool are still in total control of this game.

 

16 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Brighton manage to get men forward and it looks promising for a minute until an offside flag spoils the fun. Liverpool take the free-kick quickly, Salah runs down the right but the pressure is absorbed and Brighton are safe.

Gross has space wide right, spots Murray make a run in behind Fabinho and curls an early cross to his head. Murray has time, jumps and heads way over.

14 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

 Why

11 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Ooooohhhhh Firmino is just short of reaching a low cross from wide by Robertson. He times his run so well but Robertson's cross is just about five inches too far for Firmino to sidefoot into the net.

Liverpool counter-press high up the pitch, they attack through the middle, Salah to Mane to Shaqiri... it's just beyond his reach inside the box again! Liverpool have sussed out their opponent a little here.

8 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool push the full-backs way up the pitch and that allows them to get into Brighton's half. Hughton has his team seriously well drilled here, there's no space. The ball goes wide, the ball goes back. 

6 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Still pass pass pass between the red shirts. Brighton sitting behind halfway looking to counter from there. Liverpool need to be a bit careful here but they can't get out of their own half at the moment.

3 mins - Brighton 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool passing the ball around to get a touch early on. Nothing particularly exciting happening yet.

KICK OFF

Here we go!

Injury delight

Good news Liverpool fans, Alexander-Arnold is fit to start. So forget what I was saying a minute ago.

Could this be 'one of those days' for Liverpool?

Fabinho at centre-back, Milner at right-back - these little changes could give Brighton tiny opportunities to score that they otherwise wouldn't. The best option for Klopp might be to go all out attack today!

Injury problems

Alexander-Arnold may have injured himself in the warm up. James Milner is being warmed up to start...

Jurgen Klopp seems bouncy today

It's very important actually. Like always. A strong opponent in a good moment, very well organised. I know it's odd to praise an opponent before you play them but what Chris and Brighton are doing is incredible. It will be hard work.

Chris Hughton's thoughts

We'll do everything we can do, we're up against the best team in the country. You play too open a game, they've got such quality they can hurt you. We're at home though. 

Look how shiny the changing room is

Credit: GETTY IMAGES

 You could live in there. 

Team news is in

Here is how the two sides line-up from 3pm:

 

Match preview: Liverpool have defensive worries

Liverpool's central defensive injury problems should be cleared up soon, manager Juergen Klopp said as the Premier League leaders prepare for Saturday's test at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Croatian centre back Dejan Lovren picked up a muscle injury early in Monday's FA Cup third round defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers to add to the absence of two other central defenders Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Klopp said Matip was back in training and suggested that Lovren could be back after the Jan. 19 game against Crystal Palace.

"They are not out for long. It's not cool in this moment but in two weeks it will probably be okay," he said.

"We are fine. A season is always like this. Who deals the best with their problems has the most success."

"Joel trained yesterday for the first time with the team which is really good but we have to see and decide day-by-day," he added.

The German indicated that Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho could again fill-in alongside Virgil van Dijk and noted it was not a major shift for him to drop deeper.

"If Fabinho has to play as a centre half what we want is the natural understanding of the game," he said.

"If you are a holding six (midfielder) or a centre half with the ball it is easier," he added.

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