I said in my preview that Liverpool needed to be clinical if they were to take anything from this game. And they were; first Wirtz, although it was credited as an own goal, smashed the ball in from just inside the box, and then Isak found himself on the end of a great cross which was made by the brilliant pressing work of Bradley Barcola.
From the off, Liverpool matched Brighton's press and weren't afraid to take risks. The way Brighton were set up meant Liverpool were constantly a threat on the counter, and in moments it was almost reminiscent of the Klopp era.
The game was Iraola's first home league win, and it was a performance that showed him making his mark on the team. Gone is the lackluster, pedestrian play of Slot, and in comes an intense, forward-thinking style that is beginning to create more and more chances.
Tactics
Liverpool applied a high press in the first half to good effect, not allowing Brighton any chances to create space or get shots away other than pot shots from the edge of the box. They moved the ball quickly from right to left, involving all 10 outfielders. There was a lot of emphasis on balls into Wirtz in the number 10 position and Gravenberch driving forward from deep, passing out wide or through inside channels and finding forwards. When the ball was turned over Liverpool looked to quickly go back to front. They kept a good defensive shape, limiting Brighton's chances and ensuring they were on top. They utilised the two wingers to stretch the Brighton back line, drawing players out and creating space. Kerkez overlapped often, drilling low crosses into the box, and was unlucky that no one met them. Araujo provided defensive solidity but could drive forward and find passes to Barcola, who himself put in an admirable defensive shift.
In the second half, play was a lot slower and calmer, obviously trying to make sure Brighton werent able to claw back a foothold. It was maybe a risk with the clear goalscoring prowess Brighton have showed this season, but ended up being the right decision. The defense was compact, and the midfield chased through the 90. Trey Nyoni provided great defensive support when called upon.
I would have liked to have seen more control from Liverpool, especially in the last quarter of an hour. The possession stats show that they spent a lot of time chasing, which is okay as long as no dangerous opportunities are conceded as a result; which Brighton had a few of around 60-70 mins.
The players
Jacquet and then Araujo both put their bodies on the line, put a real shift in and reaped their rewards, keeping Brighton quiet and limiting their chances. Wirtz again looked sharp, getting his head up and skipping past players. I'm not sure hes doing much different, more that things are just starting to work for him. Sometimes you need a bit of luck. He looks stronger, too, and that was a big struggle of his until recently. He played a few wayward passes but at least hes attempting them; he is definitely looking alot more confident, and that can only be a positive when looking at the rest of the season to come.
Van Dijk looked unconvincing on a couple of occasions; the imminent return of what is basically a new signing in Giovanni Leoni will hopefully take some of the pressure off the captain to be playing every game. And you must give the Skipper a bit of grace at 36 years old; maybe a bit of fatigue is understandably starting to set in playing twice a week. Barcola and Isak's link up play is definitely growing with every minute. They each seem to have a good read on where the other is, and are starting to create brilliant combinations.
Trey Nyoni came on and immediately made a great defensive contribution on the edge of his own box. He is looking more settled with every appearance, and is a good enough player to bring on in a more defensive position when required.
A note on Alisson
This game made it clear to me that Alisson's distribution isnt what it once was. We are so used to seeing him float 70-80 yd passes to the feet of Salah and Mane and Diaz - he just doesnt seem to be able to do that consistently any more. Even a simple enough throw in the first half went straight out for a throw in. His original level was super high - so even with this drop his distribution is probably not below average - but its something to point out. In my match notes, I have written down 3 occasions when waywayrd passes were played by the Reds' keeper within the space of 8 minutes - 74', 78' and again at 82'.
I don't believe this is anything to be concerned about, but it is worth pointing out.
A final thought
I understand that we ended up winning the game, but if we dont learn to kill games off to the tune of 3 or 4 goals, eventually we will pay the price. I'm not sure if Iraola is asking the players to just shut up shop a little bit in the second half, but it seems a long time to be defending and chasing the ball, especially against a side as threatening as Brighton.