Liverpool are still firmly on top of the Premier League standings until Matchweek 14 with 40 points. They won full points at Anfield when the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Even now they are already 11 points ahead of a serious competitor Manchester City who were held 2-2 by host Newcastle United at St James Park Stadium.
Liverpool’s two goals came from Virgil van Dijk’s two header in the first half. Both goals are the assist of left-back Alexander Arnold’s stomach kick. The first goal born 18 minutes since the match took place came from a free kick assist in front of the penalty area. The second goal came from the corner kick assist. Both assist were successfully exploited by Van Dijk with a header through the Brighton goal that was escorted by Mat Ryan.
Liverpool with two goals in the first half showed dominance in the game of the two teams that night. In the second half Brighton was more threatened with several chances from Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. But so far Liverpool’s goal is still two goals like in the first half earlier.
Until when there was something beyond everyone’s expectations in the 76th minute. At that time Alisson Becker, Liverpool goalkeeper received a red card for holding the ball outside the penalty area. It was forced to do because he tried to save the goal of being broken from the counterattack Brighton. Leandro Trosan’s cheating ball is pushed over by Alisson with his hand outside the goal area.
From a free kick given to Brighton, Lewis Dunk managed to fool Alisson’s substitute keeper Adrian to make it 2-1 with only 11 minutes left. Liverpool played with 10 players in the remaining time. The Reds really must maintain its superiority by stemming a total attack from Brighton.
Because this red card may be the first time in its work in this competition, Liverpool lost in dominating the ball possession. According to Liverpoolfc.com records, Brighton controlled the game up to 55 percent ball possession. In the duel between lines they also excel with 51.4 percent. Even the game area is controlled by up to 60 percent, especially in the second half.
Jurgen Klopp was very happy because Liverpool were able to survive to keep his victory until the fight was over. At the same time this victory equaled their record of 31 top matches which were unbeaten. This match for Klopp is one of the busy agenda in dealing with the weeks of December. Anfield will return a special guest on Thursday, Everton. This is also a crucial matchweek 15 match for the Reds because it has a high prestige value in a derby.
Jurgen Klopp made his comments after the match. “Obviously we are disappointed with the way we ended the match. We conceded a strange free kick, a red card for Alisson, and we should have done better. But it is not easy to play every two days and ensure we are more than 100 percent.”
It is true that Liverpool’s arduous journey had begun from that night’s match at Anfield against Brighton. Jurgen Klopp also honestly admitted that they were a very good team. They deserve an award for playing good, brave, and trying to get out of pressure.
ASL
