Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: Unlikely 8/10 let down by Wirtz and another 3/10 | Football | Sport
Florian Wirtz failed to make an impact on the game (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot’s Liverpool suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of Champions League qualification with a bruising 2-1 defeat away to Brighton. The reigning champions missed out on a chance to move into the top four, and could now find themselves down in sixth by the end of play this weekend. After a high-intensity clash against Galatasaray in mid-week, the Reds started slowly on the south coast and deservedly found themselves behind after 14 minutes.
Just hours after being left out of the England squad, Danny Welbeck sent a message to Thomas Tuchel by netting a header. Brighton were the better team in the first half, but found themselves level at the break, after a Lewis Dunk error allowed Milos Kerkez in to level things up. Brighton continued their effort after the break and once again took the lead midway through the second half, when quick thinking from Jack Hinshelwood put the ball on a platter for Welbeck to net his second of the game. The only surprise when the full-time whistle arrived was that Brighton had only scored two goals.
Express Sport hands out player ratings after Liverpool‘s latest loss…
Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 8
Had the late call-up following Alisson’s latest injury blow but held his own and pulled off several strong saves. It looks as if the Reds have once again found themselves a reliable deputy between the sticks. Game would’ve been over much sooner if not for his contributions. Got the assist for Kerkez’s goal.
In the team for his attacking output, but has become a bit of a liability in defence. Got run ragged by Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and was quickly dragged off by Slot after picking up a yellow card for dragging the winger down.
It’s one step forward, two steps back for the Frenchman at the moment. Having stunk the place out against Galatasaray in Istanbul, the defender made amends with a solid showing in the second leg. Fast forward a couple of days, and it’s back to kamikaze defending, or at times, just not defending at all. Almost gave away a penalty just before Slot decided he’d seen enough and subbed him off.
Remains the most capable of Liverpool’s centre-backs, despite his age. Might’ve lost half a yard, but the Dutchman uses his experience to get in the right positions and sniff out danger.
Gambled on the Dunk mistake and stuck home a tidy finish when the chance presented itself, but struggled with the directness of Brighton’s forwards.
By no means his best game in the Liverpool midfield. Spent most of the afternoon chasing shadows, and was standing idle when the ball was put back across the box for Welbeck’s second.
Continues to look like a shadow of the player who helped guide Liverpool to the Premier League title last season. Sloppy in possession and invisible in the final third.
Danny Welbeck rolled back the years and caused Liverpool problems all afternoon (Image: Getty)
From Man of the Match in midweek, to missing at the AMEX three days later. He’s been Liverpool’s talisman this season, but the Hungarian was nowhere to be seen when his side needed a touch of inspiration.
Looked as if he’d turned a corner earlier this year, with the German starting to impress with his performances. Granted, the lack of a recognised striker hampered his creative abilities, but it’s rare to see a Premier League footballer look so far out of their depth. Looks lost at times.
Suffered an injury early doors with what could be a massive blow for the Reds if it proves serious.
If you hadn’t heard the groans from the travelling Liverpool fans every time he gave the ball away, you’d have been forgiven for thinking the ex-PSV star wasn’t on the pitch.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones – 5
Was the early change following Hugo Ekitike’s injury, but didn’t really offer much in midfield. Was moved into defence after Ibrahima Konate was hooked, and was well-placed to clear one off the line.
Slot shuffled the pack and brought the teenager off the bench to try and make something happen. Took him a while to get into the game, but when he did, the winger started to cause the hosts problems. Possibly should’ve started?
Has been Liverpool’s super sub in the past, but was super ineffective when thrown on by Slot.
