Liverpool played a very spirited Brighton and Hove that was just flying high after beating Manchester United earlier last week. A hard fought win that saw both sides going in for it and both sides getting tested. Liverpool got the clean sheet they wanted, and with a rare 3 wins and 3 clean sheets in the start of the season. However credit also needs to be given to Brighton who also caused us problems. Plenty of positives need to be said all around for both teams though my major criticism is some better ball control and defensive plays need to be tightened up for Liverpool.
I stayed up late all the way to 2.20am on my bed watching the stream at CRIC Free TV and hoping for a slaughterhouse of Brighton and Hove but the team had found the best way to play against us.... fucking park the bus which I deem it illegal amongst any team in any league.
But eventually we got the needed win. That was important because:
- Manchester City dropped points before the game so to capitalise on their draw.
- Liverpool 3 wins out of 3, to send us to the top of the league.
- 3 consecutive clean sheets
- It'll force a very tough matchup between Manchester United and Tottenham whom they'll face on Monday, a win away for the Spurs would push them to the max points currently, same as Watford and Chelsea should they win too.
Alisson Becker - 7.0
Rarely troubled and pulled off a great save to deny that equalising goal. But he needs to be careful not to get out his line too often, and he should pretty much stick to simple stuff and just secure the ball safely. Sure the Brazil Number 1 is always known to play like a sweeper-keeper but does not mean that he has to, and that kinda irks me off. But then again, I'll take the clean sheet any day of the week.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8
Rarely troubled by the experienced Murray and Duffy. Trent played with the level maturity that surpasses his young age. Still has room for improvement, and he knows that himself. Why up to now, as near indispensable of a right back he is, STILL hasn't gotten a better squad number I don't know. He's just about as good or better than any of our right backs we have. Always liked the guy, even showing maturity in his post-match interviews which netted a .5 bonus in his rating.
Here's the interview link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBC06Y9koy4
Virgil Van Dijk - 7
Whoa careful there dude, don't get carried away after being the standout rock last week. He gave quite a few balls away in some cases but he did manage to stabilise his ground with Joe Gomez who was doing a better job than Virgil.
Joe Gomez - 8
Did better than the more experienced and more expensive signing. Made Glenn Murray a little bit like an absolute baby at times. He's starting to synergise well with Virgil but both of them need to continue to refining their craft to ensure they'll reduce any goals conceded as much as possible. That said it'll be very interesting as to whom will Jurgen Klopp would pick in the long run, either Joe or Dejan to stay as a partner to him, cause' either one will work, if both stay consistent.
Andy Robertson - 7.5
Bossed the left hand side of the squad and did provide quite a few problems for Brighton as far as his pressing and supporting the attack goes. Simply does what Andy does.
Naby Keita - 7.0
Not exactly his best game as his ball control last night was sometimes all over the place and giving away many loose balls. However his engine and drive were there.
Gini Wijnaldum - 8.5
Although my MOTM wasn't Gini Wijnaldum, he came in close on my decision. Controlling the center of the park is what seems to be his best role now. Aggressive, and strong in duels and again can go defensive or offensive in support of the back four or front three. His consistent performance in the last three games shows why Gini is worth the picking.
James Milner - 8.5
My Man of the match that evening. He put in a professional captain's performance, bossing the midfield. After recovering from his head injury he was again on the receiving end of some heavy challenges and tackles. But he took it like a champ and soldiered on. Provided that setup for that all-decisive goal. The only play that has been consistent throughout the last couple months since the pre-season. Gonna be 33 in half a year and he's still thriving pretty good in his role as the Right Midfielder. His knack of a vision gave him many opportunities to time his attack runs, getting cues from Keita and Trent to find space and initiate.
Mo Salah - 7.5
Scored a decisive goal that decided the win. However if he pulled back his power a little bit, he could have scored maybe two or three more in his other attempts. But ah well, one goal better than nothing. 29 in 29 Premier League appearances, a 1:1 ratio which is pretty sweet. Hope he keeps it up.
Sadio Mane - 6
Sadio probably was having a bit of an off day. But still, he tried his luck when he could. Could have been better with his ball control and follow up shots. I don't blame him, he just has to try hard for the next game.
Roberto Firmino - 7
Did a bit better this game. He did suffer a knock and have one his socks and shoes ripped from a challenge. Still far off from his best but I'm not worried so far.
MANAGER RATING: 7.5
To be honest, he could do with a few tweaks to the starting line-up. But nonetheless it's effective. I'd give a run to Shaqiri and Fabinho, they really should have a full debut here. The substitutes of Sturridge, Matip and Henderson were effective to shore the defenses and see the game through.
Brighton and Hove Team Rating: 8.0
A lot of positives to be taken for the team even though they lost. Brighton was much improved this season. And their losses against Watford and Liverpool aren't huge either. They too were causing a lot of problems that make them extremely difficult to take them down. However this was also in part of Liverpool also falling asleep on their counter and giving away loose balls and getting dispossessed a lot during the game. Well we don't have to worry about them until January the 12th 2019. If they stay playing this well like what they did to us and Manchester United, they will definitely be completely fine for the games ahead. So yeah, big big big thumbs up to Brighton and Hove for their courageous effort. The next one for them will be Southampton so it should be a more comfortable game since they are also playing at home.
Whereas we will be:
NEXT GAME: LEICESTER CITY AWAY
Definitely it's gonna be a difficult team away. Leicester are playing quite well, 2 wins after their loss against Manchester United 2-1. This would be another proper test as a win over us would place them the same 9 points. Another clean sheet for us though would set the ball rolling for some strong defensive plays should we draw or win without conceding. The win subsequently would be best as at the time of this writing, Watford will draw level with us on points.
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