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Liverpool hosted Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend. The League leaders hoped to win the game and extend their lead to 11 points after Manchester City drew their game against Newcastle United earlier in the day.
The Reds made two changes from their Champions League game against Napoli, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Trent Alexander-Arnold replacing Fabinho and Joe Gomez respectively.
Liverpool started the first half with intensity, pressed the visitors high and tried to disrupt their play. However, Brighton had other ideas and played through Liverpool's press with their crisp passing.
Liverpool then scored two goals in five minutes courtesy Virgil van Dijk, with Trent Alexander-Arnold assisting twice. Brighton took control of the game from there onwards, giving Liverpool very less of the ball. Lewis Dunk had a chance to get Brighton back into the game, but he missed a sitter after the Seagulls won a second ball from an unsuccessful corner kick.
The second half of the game was a mixed bag of emotions for both sets of fans. First 30 minutes of the second half were largely dominated by the hosts, whereas Brighton were a constant threat with their long balls.
However, Alisson Becker had a horror moment in the game where he handled the ball outside the box and was shown a red card for the offence. Brighton scored from that free-kick, thanks to Lewis Dunk. The away side managed to give the European Champions a scare but the Reds held on and got all three points.
Also Read - 3 Reasons why Liverpool defeated Brighton
Now, let's take a look at 4 players who were hits and flops in the game:
#4 Hit: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold started the game after being rested for the midweek Champions League fixture against Napoli. The right-back had to defend largely throughout the game, as Brighton attacked the Reds for majority of the match.
Furthermore, the youngster had a match-winning impact on the game as he provided two assists, both of which were for Virgil van Dijk. The Ballon D'or nominee is now third in the Premier League with 5 assists in 14 games.
Defensively, the right-back had joint highest tackles, tied with Lewis Dunk with 3 tackles in the game. He also made 3 clearances in the game, only Virgil van Dijk made more clearances than the right-back. All in all, he had a great game and would be hoping to be consistent in the upcoming festive period.
#3 Flop: Adam Webster
Stats wise, Adam Webster had a good game with 6 clearances, 1 tackle and a passing accuracy of 90%. But the centre back made mistakes that were decisive in terms of the final result of the match. Liverpool scored their goals from set-pieces and Webster failed to mark Van Dijk for the first goal.
He lost Liverpool's number 4 and as a result, the Reds scored early and that proved to be decisive. The centre half needs to be consistent going forward or else Graham Potter will have a decision to make.
#2 Hit: Lewis Dunk
Brighton skipper and central defender Lewis Dunk was the away side's best player on the pitch. The captain looked the most likely player to score for the visitors. He scored the solitary goal for Brighton to give them a chance to come back in the game. Although he missed one huge opportunity in the first half, the Seagulls' captain made up for it in the second period.
The defender made two crucial blocks in the game, which would have been sure-shot goals for the Reds, had he not made those blocks. He made 3 interceptions, 4 clearances and 1 tackle in the game.
#1 Hit: Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk is currently in a battle with Lionel Messi for the Ballon D'or trophy, whose winner is set to be announced this Monday in Paris.
Against Brighton, he displayed why his Ballon d'Or trophy chances are justified. The Dutch International had the best game of his season for Liverpool, where he scored two match-winning goals, helping Liverpool to extend their lead to eleven points in the Premier League.
The timing of these goals was very important as the front three of Liverpool didn't have their best day and Van Dijk ensured that the Reds don't miss their famed front-three.
Defensively, he was a rock at the back for the hosts. He made 5 clearances in the game and was dominant in the air, as usual. He also made one crucial tackle in the match for the Reds.
Van Dijk's form will be crucial for Liverpool and their dream of winning this year's Premier League trophy.
