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#3 Liverpool continue to struggle for results
Jurgen Klopp's wait for his 100th win at Anfield continues as Liverpool put on yet another disappointing performance.
The Reds fell to a first loss against the Seagulls at Anfield in almost 40 years as they continue to struggle in their title defence. They have now failed to win against five of the six bottom teams in the Premier League, with their 2-1 win over Sheffield the only exception.
Liverpool have already dropped a whopping 26 points this season; last season they dropped only 15 (three draws and as many defeats).
Since their 7-0 mailing of Southampton, Liverpool have picked up only nine points from a possible 24, while enduring three draws and as many defeats.
#2 Mohamed Salah continues to blow hot and cold
Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah endured a rather forgettable outing against Brighton.
The Egyptian ace missed a glorious chance to put Liverpool ahead in the opening minutes of the game when he met a lofted pass from Henderson. Salah beat the offside trap but flashed his shot well over the crossbar.
Salah was culpable of another miss. He should have drawn Liverpool level late in the second half when Trent Alexander-Arnold squared a low cross into the Brighton box. However, Salah fired his shot wide, squandering what was Liverpool’s best chance in the second half.
The former AS Roma man has now scored two goals in eight Premier League games since scoring a brace off the bench against Crystal Palace in December.
#1 Liverpool lack creativity in midfield
In a disappointing performance, Liverpool failed to truly test Brighton shot-stopper Robert Sanchez.
While the bulk of the blame could be placed on the front men, the lack of creativity from midfield was simply appalling.
Jurgen Klopp opted for a midfield trio of Thiago Alcantara, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner, with Jordan Henderson playing as a makeshift centre-back with Nat Phillips.
However, the trio proved ineffective, as they created no chance for the entire 90 minutes. The absence of the injured Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota was acutely felt, as the lack of support and attacking contributions from midfield left the Reds vulnerable.
This season, no Liverpool midfielder has created more than two big chances in the Premier League, a detrimental stat for a side gunning for the league title.
