Liverpool ease past Brighton as goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah helps to close gap at the top
On Saturday, Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Brighton to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Liverpool bounced back from their midweek defeat to Inter Milan with a first-half header from Luis Diaz and a penalty from Mohamed Salah after the break.
Salah had to be substituted after scoring due to a foot injury, but that was the only hiccup in what was otherwise a pleasant afternoon for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool are now three points behind City and face a difficult trip to Arsenal on Wednesday, who are chasing fourth place.
Brighton had the better start to the game, but Liverpool took the lead after 19 minutes.
Diaz headed the ball into the net after a great pass from Joel Matip, but he was then taken out by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The incident was investigated by VAR for violent conduct, but the goalkeeper was not given a card for the late and high challenge.
Following the goal, the visitors took control of the game and had a chance to extend their lead before the break, but Salah’s tame effort was easily saved by Sanchez.
A minute into the second half, Brighton should have equalized, but Leandro Trossard’s close-range effort went over the bar.
Salah almost made Brighton pay moments later, but his deflected effort hit the crossbar, and he then squandered another good chance minutes later.
Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Yves Bissouma handled Naby Keita’s shot inside the area, giving the Egypt international the chance to make up for his missed chances.
Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead and scored the club’s 2,000th goal in Premier League history, with only Manchester United having scored more goals in the competition.
Shortly after, the forward was taken off with a foot injury and Diogo Jota was brought on to replace him.
Late on, Brighton threatened, and Alisson made a fine save to deny Danny Welbeck, but Liverpool held on for a second consecutive clean sheet.
