Liverpool produced their most convincing performance of the season at Anfield to beat Brighton 2-0 and claim their first home Premier League victory of the campaign.
The result also ended Brighton’s run of four consecutive league wins and their impressive defensive record. Liverpool had struggled to find consistency in their title defence, but this was a performance built on sharp attacking play, hard work and a willingness to fight for every ball.
Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola all played important roles as Liverpool secured a fourth successive victory in all competitions. Their growing understanding offered further encouragement for Andoni Iraola, who has been waiting for his expensive recruits to make a consistent impact.
Brighton had arrived at Anfield in confident mood. Fabian Hurzeler’s side had combined an impressive scoring record with a defence that had gone more than nine hours without conceding in all competitions. Their start suggested they could extend that run, but a missed opportunity proved costly.
Yasin Ayari should have given Brighton the lead after Diego Gomez and Pascal Gross worked an opening down Liverpool’s left. Ayari found himself with a clear sight of goal after Alisson Becker had been drawn across his area, but the Brighton midfielder sent his effort high into the Kop.
Liverpool took full advantage of the reprieve. Ronald Araujo, who had been influential from his position on the right side of defence, sent a low cross into the Brighton penalty area. The ball bounced off two visiting players before reaching Wirtz, whose first-time effort took another deflection off Gross and beat Bart Verbruggen in the 17th minute.
The goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Gross, but Wirtz’s quick reaction had created the danger. The Germany international had scored in Liverpool’s previous game and continued to look more comfortable in his new surroundings.
Brighton had little time to recover before Liverpool struck again. Olivier Boscagli failed to deal with an Alisson clearance and sent the ball straight towards Barcola, who reacted quickly to win possession.
The France international then delivered a cross into the box for Isak. The Sweden striker kept his finish simple, guiding the ball inside the far post to double Liverpool’s lead in the 21st minute.
It was Isak’s sixth goal in seven Premier League appearances and his third consecutive league game on the scoresheet. He had not managed that feat since January 2025, and his growing influence will encourage Liverpool after an inconsistent start to the season.
Barcola and Cody Gakpo also gave Brighton plenty to think about from the flanks. Their pace and direct running stretched the visitors’ defence and helped Liverpool maintain control of the first half.
Brighton still had chances to get back into the contest. Ayari came closest when he curled a low effort against the post from 20 yards after Liverpool lost possession through a risky pass from Alisson to Alexis Mac Allister.
The Liverpool goalkeeper had an unconvincing spell with the ball at his feet, but Brighton could not make him pay. Araujo, Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet helped protect the home side’s advantage with a series of important defensive interventions.
Araujo was particularly impressive. The Barcelona loanee had already contributed to the opening goal and continued to make his presence felt at the other end. His defensive work included a desperate header to deny Maxim De Cuyper after the Liverpool defence had been stretched.
Hurzeler responded at half-time by replacing Boscagli with Jack Hinshelwood. Malick Yalcouye also came on as Brighton tried to inject more energy into their attack.
The changes brought greater urgency, but Liverpool remained difficult to break down. Brighton moved the ball into dangerous areas without finding the quality required for a goal, and too many overhit crosses allowed the hosts to clear their lines.
Liverpool also threatened on the counter-attack. Gakpo had an opportunity to release Barcola but instead attempted a more difficult pass towards Isak, allowing Brighton to recover and avoid a third goal.
