Liverpool overcame an Alisson red card and a late Brighton fightback to claim their customary 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Liverpool dominated the opening proceedings as the song of “Justice for the 96” rang around Anfield and quickly went in front thanks to a Virgil Van Dijk double.
However, there was a sudden switch in atmosphere during the second half when Alisson found himself stranded five yards outside his box only to handle the ball and see Martin Atkinson brandish a red card.
Adrian came on and with his first action collected the ball from his net after Lewis Dunk smartly tucked an effort in the bottom left corner.
Brighton had Liverpool on the ropes for the final 10 minutes holding 70% possession and creating numerous chances that should have led to the equaliser.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s side stood strong and held on to the three points that sees them 11 clear at the top of the Premier League table.
As per usual Klopp refused to discuss title talk and downplayed the lead at the top.
He said: “We don’t think about the points gap or whatever,”
“People told me tonight already that we are 11 points ahead but Leicester play on Sunday, so it still could be eight. That’s how I see it.
“None of these 13 games we won were easy, we didn’t feel that for a second. We only have to make sure we are ready always – and always for the next game.
“Result-wise, it is an incredible period for sure, but we don’t want to think about the last 14 games – we actually are concerned about the next one, which is on Wednesday against Everton and is a big one.”
Regardless of what Klopp says it was a massive victory for Liverpool to open up a significant lead at the top of the league.
Nevertheless, it was yet another quiet game for Liverpool’s usually potent attacking trio but in their absence the defenders took control in all aspects of the game.
Van Dijk is the obvious standout performer having scored the vital goals but his defensive performance was just as influential with a 90% pass accuracy and a 100% tackle and duels success rate.
Van Dijk also made a game-high five clearances with only Alexander-Arnold coming close with three.
The big Dutchman was impeccable at Anfield and was arguably the only reason Liverpool claimed the victory, however the aforementioned Alexander-Arnold was also a vital cog in the reds winning machine.
The young scouser whipped two delicious crosses in to assist Van dijk for both goals but ultimately it is no less than we expect from the Balon D’or nominee.
It was in fact the defensive output of the fullback that shone through with a number of vital interceptions and tackles.
Alexander-Arnold made the most tackles of anyone on the pitch with three and although he only made the one interception it was of great importance to stop a Leandro Trossard counter-attack in injury time.
Much has been made of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive work in the opening weeks of the season but today the youngster showed why he is the best right-back in Europe.
Liverpool overcame a massive test at Anfield on Saturday afternoon and after going down to ten the reds could’ve capitulated but Klopp’s side would never let that happen.
Last season when Manchester City dropped points at Newcastle, Liverpool failed to take advantage and drew at home to Leicester.
For a nervy ten minutes history looked like it was going to repeat itself but as Liverpool have done all season they found a way to get over the line.
Liverpool look to the Merseyside Derby next and without the Brazillian duo of Alisson and Fabinho it will be anything but easy.
Most Liverpool fans will be hoping for a comfortable result that reflects the two sides league positions but as with any derby this is unlikely to be the case.
One thing is for sure though, another Mane 90+4 or Origi 90+6 would go down very well at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Brandon Russell
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