Five-star Liverpool destroyed Brighton 5-1 to continue their freescoring run of form and extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
Emre Can, Roberto Firmino (2), Philippe Coutinho and an own-goal from Lewis Dunk made it a miserable day for the Seagulls, who pulled one back through Glenn Murray’s penalty.
Could Liverpool yet emerge as potential challengers to Manchester City?
This latest win took Jurgen Klopp’s side up to fourth in the Premier League and into the Champions League qualification places – temporarily at least. It was also a third successive away victory in the league following recent successes at West Ham (4-1) last month and Stoke (3-0) on Wednesday night. The Reds are now unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and have won six times during that sequence. Of course, Manchester City will take some stopping at the top of the table and remain clear favourites to claim the Premier League title. But with Tottenham inconsistent – dropping more points at Watford – perhaps free-scoring Liverpool could yet emerge as a serious threat to Pep Guardiola’s table-toppers.
The Merseysiders have strength in depth
The reservoir of talent at Anfield runs deep. Jurgen Klopp made six changes to the side who won 3-0 at Stoke in midweek and his team still beat Brighton with plenty to spare. Andrew Robertson started his first Premier League match since 16 September while Mohamed Salah, who netted two after coming on as a substitute in midweek, returned to the starting line-up. Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner, Philippe Coutinho and captain Jordan Henderson also returned to the side. Sadio Mane only made the bench and Emre Can was deployed at centre-back as the Reds showed the strength of their squad to rack up another highly impressive away win.
Roberto Firmino is a class act
The Brazilian striker scored twice at the Amex Stadium to move into double figures for the season. Having been on target twice during the recent 3-3 draw at Sevilla in the Champions League, another clinical brace left the 26-year-old with 11 goals in 24 appearances so far this term. Firmino headed over early against the Seagulls when he should really have scored, but after Emre Can nodded Liverpool in front, star man Firmino took centre stage in the 32nd minute. A sizzling counter-attack saw Firmino fire home Philippe Coutinho's ball across the box from the left following a driving run by Mo Salah, who had been set free initially by a deft touch by Firmino. Three minutes into the second half, Firmino was at it again to fire home after more fine work from Salah. There was still time for Philippe Coutinho to add a brilliant late fourth before a own-goal from Lewis Dunk capped Brighton’s misery.
Brighton face important trip to Huddersfield
Chris Hughton’s men have 17 points and remain some way clear of the relegation zone. But they will be wary of being dragged into a relegation dogfight after a stuffing like the one Liverpool inflicted on them. Brighton still lie above Newcastle and Huddersfield, the two other sides with whom they were promoted last season. Next up for the Seagulls is a visit to the John Smith’s Stadium next weekend. A win there would take Brighton to 20 points and halfway towards the magical 40-point mark. It is a huge game.
