Brighton and Hove Albion refused to leave, giving new manager Roberto De Zerbi a memorable debut in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard scored twice early to give the Seagulls a 2-0 lead and completed his treble after the hosts bounced back with a brace from Roberto Firmino and an own goal from Adam Webster to lead 3-2 with 27. remaining minutes in the 90s.
WATCH LIVERPOOL vs BRIGHTON FULL MATCH TRANSMISSION
Brighton remain fourth and now have 14 points from seven games, good for fourth and no worse than fifth depending on the outcome of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Liverpool sit ninth with 10 points from seven games. Both clubs have a game pending in most of the field.
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What we learned from Liverpool v Brighton
Dynamic start of De Zerbi: Life after Graham Potter was good enough for Brighton and Hove Albion, but Roberto De Zerbi’s enthusiasm might wear off when he sees the Seagulls defend. Just a little though, because every team gives Liverpool chances and the Reds were ready to hit something at home (Mohamed Salah is now long overdue for a big, big finishing game… check that one).
Messy, messy, messy Liverpool defense (Yes, Jurgen, especially Trent): There isn’t a sensible person alive who would deny Trent Alexander-Arnold his status as one of the best right-sided playmakers in the world. There is an argument that he could become the Andrea Pirlo of his generation as a central midfielder. But he isn’t playing in midfield, and teams look to his side of the field and find joy. As Jordan Henderson ages and Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho exist as a cover, how long will it be before Jurgen Klopp finally says, “Yeah, okay, here” to those who see what everyone sees: a dynamic player turning 24 on Friday and he’s not getting any better at defensive duties from a right back but he intercepts passes very well.
That said, his performance is less of a talking point if Virgil van Dijk connects a clearance attempt from Brighton’s center that became Trossard’s third goal. This game could have been 6-5 and as much as we would have loved that entertainment, Klopp has to wonder what’s next. Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate were missing, but Liverpool spent a lot of depth, which has been disappointing (and Joel Matip isn’t exactly paid as a depth piece, is he?).
Trossard at the top of his game: The Belgium international now has five goals and two assists in seven Premier League games for Brighton this season, which is pretty, pretty good. The 27-year-old is now an all-match player and part-time starter for Belgium, and what a nice place he has carved out for himself at the Amex.
tactical approach
Perhaps the biggest focus is on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performances, but it certainly looks like teams are targeting the right side of the Liverpool defence.
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stars of the show
Leander Trossard: Away hat-tricks at Anfield are quite rare.
Robert Firmino: I guess the signing of Darwin Nunez may really be for the (near) future, as Firmino has five goals and three assists in his last four Premier League outings.
Thiago Alcantara: 10 of 12 duels won and two key passes in the draw six faults
Whats Next?
The challenge isn’t going to get any easier for Liverpool, who host Arsenal in eight days after Rangers visit in the Champions League on Tuesday. Brighton are stung by Tottenham in another test of mettle in the top four.
Result Liverpool-Brighton
Liverpool: 3 (I sign 33′, 54′, Webster and 63′)
Brighton: 3 (Trossard 4′, 17′, 83′)
Leandro Trossard goal video(s): Belgian gives De Zerbi a dream start
Video of Roberto Firmino’s goal: Liverpool retracts one
Firmino subtracts one from Liverpool! #LFC
?: @Peacock #MiPLMorning | #LIVBHA pic.twitter.com/Jxl3mvswoK
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) October 1, 2022
Leandro Trossard hat-trick video: Seagulls overcome wasted lead by one point
How to watch Liverpool vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Start: 10 a.m. ET, Saturday
TV Channel/Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Key stories and star players
Are Liverpool ready to turn chances into goals at a more familiar pace? The Reds’ expected goal total for this season is close to leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, but their actual goal output is fifth and somewhat inflated by their nine-goal thrashing of Bournemouth earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Brighton has to prove he’s getting to grips with life after Graham Potter, as de Zerbi’s credentials say things might not look much different. The former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk manager craves possession in his teams and offers opportunities as boss in the way you’d expect from a former attacking midfielder.
Liverpool team news, injuries, line-up options
OUT: Calvin Ramsay (lower back), Curtis Jones (tibia), Ibrahima Konate (knee), Naby Keita (thigh), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (thigh), Andrew Robertson (knee), Caoimhin Kelleher (groin), Ibrahima Konate ( knee),
Team news ?
How do we line up for #LIVBHA this afternoon ?
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 1, 2022
Brighton team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Jakub Moder (knee), Adam Lallana (lower leg), Enock Mwepu (illness).
TEAM NEWS! ? Here is our starting eleven to face Liverpool this afternoon. ?
? https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/B1WJ0Y67DX
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 1, 2022