Liverpool v Brighton LIVE: Premier League result and final score as ...

Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 comeback win over Brighton, thanks to Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah goals within two minutes of each other.

The Reds were dismal in the first half as the Seagulls’ energy and pressing proved far too much to handle, with Ferdi Kadioglu rattling in his first goal for the south coast team, blasting in a first-time effort off the post early on. Brighton had chances to add to their lead but Caoimhin Kelleher made a good save from Danny Welbeck and after the restart the home team looked completely different.

Gakpo’s cross eventually sailed in after everybody missed it and barely 100 seconds later the Reds led, Curtis Jones freeing Salah who cut in and sent a rocket into the far corner for the three points and top spot. Follow all the Premier League reaction with our live blog below:

Liverpool vs Brighton - Premier League updates

• Liverpool host Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield

• Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Nunez, Salah

• Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Van Hecke, Igor, Veltman, Estupinan, Kadioglu, Ayari, Hinshelwood, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck

• GOAL - Kadioglu belts in opener for first Brighton goal (0-1)

• GOAL - Gakpo’s cross evades everybody and goes in (1-1)

• GOAL - Salah immediately buries a brilliant strike top corner (2-1)

Liverpool FC 2 - 1 Brighton & Hove Albion FC

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

17:04

A fine second-half fightback earns Liverpool victory over a bold Brighton side that led for most of the match before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield. After a fortunate equaliser from Gakpo drew the Reds level following Kadioglu's early opener, it was a classic Salah strike that ultimately secured the three points that take them back to the Premier League summit. Losses for Arsenal and Manchester City mean that Slot's side lead the way, making their win even sweeter. Brighton will reflect on an excellent first-half showing, but Verbruggen's saves could only keep them ahead for so long - they also ended up behind on xG, with 1.0 to their hosts' 1.59. Slot has now accrued the most victories by a Liverpool manager in their first 10 top-flight games, continuing his promising start, and his team must next pit their wits against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League; meanwhile, Brighton are one week away from meeting Manchester City. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:55

FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 2-1 BRIGHTON

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:54

Faced by a deep-lying Liverpool defence, Brighton are pouring forward in hope of producing a last-gasp equaliser. They're getting nowhere fast, though, as the wall of red in front of them stands strong.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:50

Liverpool will have at least four more minutes to hold onto their slender 2-1 lead, as the officials indicate the amount of second-half stoppage time.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:49

Substitution Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly Conor Bradley

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:46

Substitution Jack Luca Hinshelwood Evan Joe Ferguson

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:46

Substitution Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu Jakub Piotr Moder

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:46

Substitution Kaoru Mitoma Simon Kofi Adingra

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:45

Gomez gets his head on another Tsimikas cross - this time from an inswinging right-sided corner - but he plants the ball straight in the chest of Verbruggen, who handles it safely.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:43

Trying to produce a late equaliser for Brighton, Mitoma links up with Wieffer on the edge of Liverpool's area, then slams a shot straight at Van Dijk.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:42

Yellow Card Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:42

Salah is in top gear now, as he picks out Jones with a lovely throughball into the box. The latter delays, though, and his shot is subsequently blocked. One more goal would finish this contest, but Brighton can't be entirely ruled out.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:39

With his seventh goal in the Premier League this season, Salah has now been directly involved in 16 goals from 15 appearances against Brighton, scoring 10 times. Only against Manchester United (18) has he had a hand in more.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Having led for so long, Brighton are stirred into action by conceding twice in quick succession: Mitoma's shot is deflected behind for a corner-kick. Liverpool see it to safety, though.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro Wataru Endō

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:35

Substitution Yasin Abbas Ayari Mats Wieffer

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:34

Substitution Joël Ivo Veltman Brajan Gruda

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:32

Assist Curtis Julian Jones

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:31

Goal Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:30

When the ball is not cleared by Brighton's back four, it drops to Liverpool substitute Jones. He lines up a shot from the edge of the box, but it strikes Nunez and rolls behind for a goal-kick.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:29

Goal Cody Mathès Gakpo

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:26

After Salah drives inside to a central position, he lays a low pass off to Gakpo on the left side of the area. Having taken a touch, the latter fires his firm shot wide of the right-hand post by a couple of yards.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:25

Substitution Dominik Szoboszlai Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:25

Substitution Alexis Mac Allister Curtis Julian Jones

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:24

Staying cool, deep inside their defensive third, Brighton play the ball out under pressure from Liverpool's forwards. The hosts have stepped up several notches in terms of intensity since half-time, but they've carved out very few clear-cut chances.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:22

Ayari returns to the fray, as Liverpool pick up where they left off. Brighton are struggling to get out of their own half now, so Hurzeler may be considering some changes.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:20

The frantic action is paused momentarily, as Ayari hits the deck. Brighton's medical staff sprint on, amid whistles from the impatient home fans - they don't want Liverpool to lose momentum.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:19

Liverpool have strung together a four-game winning sequence at Anfield since their shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, scoring multiple goals against Chelsea, Bologna, West Ham United and Bournemouth. However, they are just over half an hour from another loss, and Slot's options on the bench are relatively limited.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:16

SAVE! Salah reacts first to meet a Nunez flick-on outside Brighton's box, but his attempted finish is smothered by an on-rushing Verbruggen, who's having an excellent game. Liverpool's pursuit of an equaliser is gathering more momentum now, and the Anfield crowd are responding.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:14

GREAT SAVE! An incredible reaction stop by Verbruggen denies Mac Allister at close range! Meeting Gakpo's cross, the ex-Brighton midfielder dives down to turn a header towards the bottom-left corner, but the goalkeeper tips it wide with a fine save!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:12

For the first time, Liverpool are controlling the game, probing around the edge of Brighton's box in search of an opening. They earn a corner-kick when Estupinan nearly nods a cross into his own goal, clearing the right-hand post by no more than a few feet.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:10

Brighton have still had a greater share of the ball so far, leading the possession stats with 51%. They are coming under some sustained pressure now, though, so that may change.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:08

SAVE! Gomez drifts clear of the Brighton defence, meeting a precise free-kick from Tsimikas into the box. However, he guides a tame header straight at Verbruggen. What a let-off for Brighton!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:04

Liverpool kick off, and we are back under way at Anfield!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:03

Substitution Ibrahima Konaté Joseph Dave Gomez

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

16:00

With Manchester City trailing against Bournemouth, following Arsenal's defeat earlier today, perhaps a Liverpool defeat wouldn't be entirely calamitous. Losses all round would maintain the status quo, but City are sure to bite back. It may prove to be a day for the Premier League underdogs, but 45 minutes is a long time in football.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:55

Fully deserving their half-time lead at Anfield, an energetic Brighton side are 1-0 up against listless Liverpool. It was a typically patient team move that created Kadioglu's opening goal after 14 minutes, and the winger's unerring finish gave the Seagulls an advantage to defend. Rather than dropping back, they set about that task by piling forward, and Kelleher had to make a crucial save from Rutter, in addition to Welbeck twice coming close. Nunez was denied by Verbruggen, but the hosts have hardly threatened since. The half-time xG stands at 0.78 to 0,71 in Brighton's favour, suggesting they are good value for their lead.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:49

HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-1 BRIGHTON

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:49

In the first of two minutes added for stoppages, Welbeck takes a 20-yard free-kick. He strikes it cleanly, but too straight. Kelleher reaches out and takes the ball cleanly.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:46

Yellow Card Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:46

After Tsimikas curls in a corner from the right, Verbruggen leaps up to punch it partly clear of danger. Eventually, Brighton get the ball to safety, as they close in on securing a merited half-time lead.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:44

JUST WIDE! Although Estupinan appears to line up a free-kick from just over 20 yards out, Welbeck instead steps forward and whips it towards the target. He clips the outside edge of the side-netting, drawing gasps from the away fans!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:43

Brighton have taken five points from their last four away games against Liverpool - more than they managed in their first 11 visits to Anfield - and any 'fear factor' has long since gone. In fact, they look equally confident as their hosts today, and a second goal cannot be ruled out.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:40

At the end of a rapid counter-attack, Kadioglu meets a cross from the left flank and tries his luck with a first-time volley from the edge of the box. However, he leans back and sends the ball flying high over the crossbar. Brighton remain a major danger on the break.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:39

Before today's games, only Arsenal (41 minutes, 48 seconds) had been behind for less time in Premier League matches this season than Liverpool (75m 28s). It'll be interesting to see how - and if - they work their way back into this contest.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:36

Although Brighton lead, Opta's live win predictor has their chances of victory at 36% to Liverpool's 37%, suggesting a comeback could be on the cards. If the Reds are to claim maximum points, they may need to get themselves back on level terms before the break.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:34

Tsimikas whips over a corner-kick from the right, which is met first by Konate. The latter's close-range header is blocked by a defender, then his follow-up is also charged down. This is better from Liverpool.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:32

From a free-kick out on the left, Alexander-Arnold swings in a wicked cross. Amid a sea of bodies seeking to reach it first, Rutter steers it behind for a Liverpool corner.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:30

SHARP SAVE! Kelleher keeps Liverpool's deficit down to one! Rutter is sent away through the centre by Ayari's long pass, holding off the challenge of Van Dijk. However, his shot is smothered by the hosts' stand-in goalkeeper, who rushes out to the edge of the box!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:28

Played through by Alexander-Arnold inside Brighton's box, Salah almost manages to prod the ball goalwards, but Verbruggen races out to position himself perfectly and shepherd the ball behind for a goal-kick.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:27

Konate rises highest in the six-yard box as Ayari sends in a dangerous cross from a set-piece, and his clearing header will hand Brighton a third consecutive corner-kick. The visitors are pushing hard to extend their advantage.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:25

Folllowing a clever free-kick routine, Welbeck's shot is blocked behind for a corner by Tsimikas. However, Liverpool then clear their lines from Estupinan's inswinging delivery.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:24

Liverpool have failed to win any of their last five matches when conceding first in the Premier League, since a victory over none other than Brighton back in March. This will be a big test of Slot's new regime - how will the Reds react? So far, the Seagulls are standing firm.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:21

After Tsimikas is cleared to carry on, having passed all the medical checks, the action resumes at Anfield. Can Liverpool now find their rhythm and seek a quick equaliser?

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:20

It gets worse for Liverpool, as Tsimkas is totally flattened by his skipper and lays flat on the turf. Van Dijk caught his team-mate with a flying knee, so that must really hurt! The game is paused whil he receives treatment.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:16

Assist Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:16

Alexander-Arnold sparks a quick counter after cleanly tackling Mitoma, but it quickly fizzles out. Already, it's a fairly open contest between two ball-playing teams, so surely goals will soon follow.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:15

Goal Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:14

Nunez is just unable to leap high enough at the back post, after Salah sends over a searching cross from the right wing. Ultimately, the ball drifts out of play for a goal-kick, but that was another moment of concern for Brighton.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:13

SUPER SAVE! Nunez flips a clever ball over his marker's head in the centre circle, then charges away upfield. When he reaches Brighton's box, the big striker checks inside and unleashes a powerful shot towards the far corner, but Verbruggen makes an excellent save! That's great stuff from both men!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:10

Not many teams come to Anfield and start off by having a 59% share of the ball, but Brighton have done that so far. Whatever the venue, the Seagulls stick to their style - and it often pays off.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:08

Ayari makes an excellent challenge to halt Mac Allister's surge forward through the centre, as Liverpool seek to open up a first chance. As yet, the Reds have not been able to impose themselves in the final third.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:06

After an early spell of Brighton pressure, Liverpool try to play their way through the press, stroking the ball around deep inside their own half. The tactical battle between Slot and Hurzeler could be fascinating today.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:05

Wednesday's loss was just Brighton's third defeat in their last 10 matches against Liverpool, so they may expect to take points home today. It's been a bright and confident start from the visitors so far.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:03

Brighton kick off, and we are under way in Liverpool!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:03

The players are out on the pitch at Anfield, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

15:03

Rutter is available again after being cup-tied in midweek, so he reprises his partnership with Welbeck in Brighton's attack. Fabian Hurzeler makes eight changes in total. Lewis Dunk, Matt O'Riley, Yankuba Minteh and Joao Pedro all feature in a crowded treatment room.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:58

Only Gakpo keeps his place for Liverpool, as most of the hosts' usual lineup returns following wholesale changes in midweek - Robertson makes way for Tsimikas, though. Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Alisson Becker are still out of action.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:53

SUBS: Jason Steele, Tariq Lamptey, Brajan Gruda, Julio Enciso, Simon Adingra, Jakub Moder, Carlos Baleba, Mats Wieffer, Evan Ferguson.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

BRIGHTON (4-4-2): Bart Verbruggen; Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Igor Julio, Pervis Estupinan; Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Yasin Ayari, Kaoru Mitoma; Georginio Rutter, Danny Welbeck.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

SUBS: Vítezslav Jaros, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Conor Bradley.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:48

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:43

Just as in their midweek EFL Cup clash with Liverpool, a second-half collapse proved costly for Brighton last week. In their most recent Premier League outing, Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson put the Seagulls on course for a comfortable victory over Wolves; however, the visitors fought back strongly, eventually making it 2-2 with a last-gasp leveller. Today's match therefore promises more entertainment, as Brighton's last seven fixtures have seen a total of 30 goals, at an average of more than four per game.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:43

Reconvening three days on from an eventful five-goal contest in the EFL Cup, Liverpool now meet Brighton again, with three Premier League points at stake. The Reds beat the Seagulls 3-2 in Wednesday's last-16 tie, keeping them on course for a record-extending 11th League Cup trophy. Last weekend, Arne Slot's side twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, leaving them trailing defending champions Manchester City by one point in the top-flight table.

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

14:43

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Brighton at Anfield!

Brighton team news

14:04 , Luke Baker

And here’s how the Seagulls will line up this afternoon.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Van Hecke, Igor, Veltman, Estupinan, Kadioglu, Ayari, Hinshelwood, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck

Liverpool team news

13:58 , Luke Baker

Here’s the Liverpool team to face Brighton this afternoon. After his injury worry, Andy Robertson is only fit enough for the bench, so Kostas Tsimikas starts at left-back, while Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are the preferred forward trio in the continued absence of Diogo Jota.

Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Nunez, Salah

Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion

13:00

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…