Liverpool 2-1 Brighton PLAYER RATINGS: Who was ‘unusually quiet’ for the Reds? Which star defender was ‘off the pace’? And who proved to be ‘the difference maker’ at Anfield?

Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League on a successful Saturday for the Reds as they came back against Brighton.

Ferdi Kadioglu put a spanner in the works for the away side, who had impressed early on, but the Reds turned on the style in the second half to ensure they took all three points.

It was Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah on the score sheet for the Reds, who benefitted from both Arsenal and Manchester City coming up short and both tasting defeat.

But how did the players fare individually? A few struggled, while others stepped up to the plate to get Arne Slot‘s side over the line.

Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at Anfield to rate the players.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Caiomhin Kelleher – 6

Couldn’t do anything for Kadioglu’s goal but made a big save to deny Georginio Rutter, as well as two more important saves. Got away with one in the second half when he lost the ball but continues to be a reliable deputy to Alisson.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6

An unusually quiet first-half where he struggled to make his mark on the game and was kept busy defensively by Kaoru Mitoma. Lost the ball carelessly on a couple of occasions but showed his usual quality after the break.

Ibrahima Konate – 6

Made his ninth league start in a row – his best ever run for Liverpool. But his afternoon was cut short at half-time as he walked off using his shirt like a makeshift sling after landing awkwardly on his shoulder from a Liverpool corner. Looks set to be out of action for a while.

Virgil van Dijk – 6

Another usually reliable name who was off the pace. Accidentally took out Kostas Tsimikas and part of a back four that Brighton cut through with ease in the first half. Missed a sitter shortly after the break but ultimately that didn’t cost his side.

Kostas Tsimikas – 6

Started ahead of Andy Robertson and put in a solid shift. Was relentless up and down the left flank. One of his best performances in a Liverpool shirt.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Dominated by the Brighton midfield in the first half with Jack Hinshelwood and Yasin Ayari a step ahead of him. Much more aggression and intent in the second half before he was taken off for Luis Diaz as Liverpool hunted an equaliser.

Ryan Gravenberch – 6

Cut a frustrated figure in the first half as Liverpool struggled but much improved after the break as Liverpool turned the game around. He is having such a good season.

Alexis MacAllister – 5.5

Playing against his old club and like most of the Liverpool side, had a first half to forget. Booked for bringing down Danny Welbeck. Came close to equalising after the break but his header was kept out by the magnificent Bart Verbruggen. Replaced by Curtis Jones in the 66th minute.

Mohamed Salah – 8

A quiet first half and wasted a golden opportunity shortly after the break, but scored an absolute belter to give Liverpool the lead. The Egyptian now has 164 Premier League goals – putting him eighth on the list of the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorers. A class apart and the difference maker, yet again.

Darwin Nunez – 7

A superb shift, again. Did brilliant early on with a run from the centre of the pitch before his effort was tipped away by Bart Verbruggen and constantly caused problems for Brighton. Taken off for Wataru Endo in the 77th minute as Arne Slot looked to see the game out.

Cody Gakpo – 7.5

Only player who remained in the starting eleven from Liverpool’s midweek win in the Carabao Cup at Brighton. Hardly got a sniff in the first half but much better in second, getting the equaliser – albeit with a slice of a luck. Constantly offered a threat.

Substitutes

Joe Gomez – 6

Came on at half-time for Ibrahima Konate and did well as Liverpool came from behind to win. Nearly scored too but his header was saved by Verbruggen.

Curtis Jones – 7.5

Changed the game when he came on in the 66th minute. Influential in the move for Salah’s goal, getting the assist. A transformed player under Arne Slot.

Wataru Endo – 6

On late on to help Liverpool see the game out. Job well done.

Conor Bradley – 5

Came on for Salah in added time.

Manager

Arne Slot – 7

Will be questioning what on earth his team were doing in the first half but they came out firing after the break and all his changes were justified. 25 points in 10 games and top of the league. He could hardly have asked for a better start to life as Liverpool manager.

Brighton (4-4-2)

Verbruggen 7; Veltman 6 (Gruda 76), Van Hecke 6, Julio 6, Estupinan 6; Kadioglu 7.5 (Moder 87), Hinshelwood 7 (Ferguson 87), Ayari 7 (Wieffer 76), Mitoma 7 (Adingra 87); Rutter 6, Welbeck 7.

Manager: Fabian Hurzeler 7

Referee: Tony Harrington 6