Liverpool secure first home league win in six months with 2-0 victory over Brighton
Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, with goals from an own-goal by Pascal Gross and a strike by Alexander Isak, giving new manager Andoni Iraola his first Premier League win at the stadium.
Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign at Anfield with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, delivering manager Andoni Iraola his first home league victory. The first goal resulted from a Pascal Gross clearance that deflected off Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, recorded as an own-goal. Four minutes later, Alexander Isak finished from a low cross after Bradley Barcola’s pace beat defender Oliver Boscagli, marking Isak’s sixth goal in seven league appearances.
Defender Ronald Araújo was prominent in Liverpool’s defensive effort, winning multiple challenges and helping to maintain a duel success rate of 56.7%, the highest of the season. Liverpool’s possession was 35.6%, one of the lowest recorded since 2003-04, reflecting a strategy of defending deep and counter-attacking.
Brighton managed 17 attempts but only one on target, and head coach Fabian Hürzeler described the match as a “missed opportunity” for his side. The result moves Liverpool to fourth place in the league table and sets up upcoming fixtures against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League.
"One team really tried to create and try to win this game," Hürzeler said after the match.
Liverpool will look to build on the win as they prepare for a busy week that includes a cup tie and a league clash with Arsenal.