Liverpool vs Brighton: 3 Takeaways From a Gripping Clash

The Reds have not won a single game since they clinched that historic 20th Premier League title against Tottenham Hotspur in late April. And we didn’t expect the 11 players Arne Slot fielded to shake off the post-celebration complacency yesterday. We did expect the Liverpool manager to give some fringe players a chance to stake their claim for more playing time next season. He went one better by giving failed experiment Federico Chiesa his first start.

The Brighton Hove & Albion players were expected to be more invested in the game, though they also didn’t have much at stake. A season that started with promise has petered out into mid-table mediocrity for Fabian Huerzeler and his men. Ensuring they finish in the top half of the table was their sole motivation going into this fixture. Beating the newly crowned champions in front of their supporters would be the cherry on top.

But what was shaping up to be a bore fest with players going through the motions turned into a football feast that yielded five goals. Here’s what we gleaned from this surprisingly entertaining clash.

Salah Needs To Rest

Even with the Golden Boot secured, the Egyptian insists on starting and finishing every game. A fair few players would have started their postseason festivities early had they achieved what Mohammed Salah has. Not the Liverpool number 11. But perhaps the fact that he hasn’t scored in the last three games is a hint that he badly needs some R&R. He was particularly quiet at the Amex Stadium yesterday. 

His beautifully cushioned pass to Conor Bradley in the build-up to the opening goal was his only memorable contribution. Salah will want to forget his shocking miss from Cody Gakpo’s square pass in the second half. A focused, well-rested Salah wouldn’t have fluffed that chance. 

Welbeck Is Timeless

One of the highlights of a below-par season for the Seagulls has been the form of veteran Striker Danny Welbeck. The former Manchester United man is ageing like fine wine, becoming an essential part of Brighton’s attack at 34 years of age. He is the joint top scorer for Brighton this season with João Pedro, a man 10 years his junior.  

Yesterday, the former England international gave a pretty good account of himself. Liverpool Keeper Alisson had to be at his best to deny Welbeck’s three goal-bound efforts, one a superbly placed free-kick. The transfer rumor mill has it that Pedro, excluded from yesterday’s matchday squad, is on Liverpool’s summer wish list. If he does leave, Huerzeler will be glad to have an on-song Welbeck to call upon. 

Solid Foundations

Both Liverpool and Brighton Hove & Albion have a solid foundation to build on for next season. If they’re able to hold onto young Midfielders Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Matt O’Riley, and Jack Hinshelwood, the Seagulls’ future is in safe hands. If he’s also able to keep Jan Paul van Hecke in defense and Bart Verbruggen in goal, Huerzeler can be sure of a solid start to the season. He can rely on Brighton’s well-oiled scouting machine to find the additional pieces to improve their top-six prospects.

The Merseysiders also look in good shape for the coming season. Conor Bradley showed he can be as deadly in attack as the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, setting up Harvey Elliott’s opener. Despite being in party mode for half of the game, the regular first-teamers showed glimpses of their brilliance. All they need is some well-earned rest. If the rumored arrivals of wing-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong materialize, stopping Liverpool from defending their crown will be nigh impossible.