Alexander Isak continued his impressive run of form as Liverpool secured a composed 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday, giving manager Andoni Iraola his first Premier League win at Anfield.
Liverpool struck twice in a devastating four-minute spell in the first half, with Pascal Gross turning the ball into his own net before Isak doubled the hosts’ advantage with a clinical finish.
The Sweden striker has now scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, including three in his last four matches.
After a turbulent debut campaign following his acrimonious £125 million ($167 million) move from Newcastle, Isak is beginning to justify Liverpool’s substantial investment.
The victory also marked a welcome breakthrough for Iraola, who had failed to win any of his first three Premier League games at Anfield since arriving from Bournemouth in the close season.
The Spaniard, who had already enjoyed Champions League and League Cup victories at the ground, has now guided Liverpool to four consecutive wins in all competitions following their chastening 3-0 home defeat against Manchester City.
Liverpool climbed to fourth in the Premier League table, moving within one point of third-placed Brighton after handing the high-flying Seagulls just their second league defeat of the campaign.
The Reds remain six points behind leaders City as they look to mount a sustained title challenge.
Liverpool had gone five home league matches without a victory dating back to last season, drawing four and losing one. However, they ended that frustrating run in convincing fashion, keeping Brighton’s free-scoring attack quiet despite the visitors arriving at Anfield as the league’s leading scorers.
Brighton had an early opportunity to take the lead when Diego Gomez’s pass caught Virgil van Dijk out of position. Gross delivered a cross for Yasin Ayari, but the midfielder fired wastefully over with the goal at his mercy.
Rampant Reds
Liverpool made Brighton pay for that missed opportunity by opening the scoring in the 17th minute.
Ronald Araujo surged forward and delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Florian Wirtz unleashed a powerful shot that took a significant deflection off Gross before nestling in the bottom corner.
Cody Gakpo almost added a second moments later, forcing goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to tip his rising drive over the crossbar.
Liverpool were firmly in control and extended their lead in the 21st minute when Isak finished off a swift attacking move.
Iraola had opted to deploy Bradley Barcola and Gakpo on the wings despite Rio Ngumoha’s outstanding display in the midweek victory over Villarreal. Barcola justified his selection by racing onto a long pass from goalkeeper Alisson Becker before delivering a precise cross for Isak to convert from close range.
Isak has now scored in three consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January 2025, when he was still at Newcastle.
The striker came close to adding another when he latched onto Wirtz’s pass, only for Lewis Dunk to produce a last-ditch block.
Liverpool continued to threaten before the break, with Araujo forcing another excellent save from Verbruggen with a powerful effort.
News that Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United were losing to Bournemouth sparked loud celebrations from the Kop at half-time, capping a satisfying afternoon for the home supporters.
The second half proved more subdued, with Liverpool comfortably protecting their advantage despite losing Wirtz to injury.
Iraola’s side appear to be finding their rhythm after an inconsistent start to the campaign, but tougher challenges lie ahead.
Chelsea visit Anfield in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday before second-placed Arsenal arrive on November 1 for a potentially pivotal Premier League encounter.
AFP
