Ekitike strikes twice as Liverpool silence Brighton at Anfield

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Liverpool maintained their strong Premier League momentum with a controlled 2–0 victory over Brighton on Saturday at Anfield, with Hugo Ekitike scoring both goals in a disciplined and mature performance by Arne Slot’s side.

The Reds struck early to seize control and added a second-half goal to seal the contest, expertly managing Brighton’s spells of possession and late pressure to claim all three points.

Liverpool wasted no time asserting themselves, opening the scoring inside the first minute. A swift attacking move carved open the Brighton defence, allowing Ekitike to meet a precise pass inside the box before emphatically driving the ball into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with no chance.

Brighton responded with composure, enjoying periods of neat passing and probing the Liverpool backline through Georginio Rutter, Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda.

However, clear chances proved elusive, with Alisson Becker alert when called upon and Liverpool’s defence maintaining its shape.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai both going close, while Ekitike missed further opportunities to extend the lead before the break. Liverpool nevertheless went into half-time in control, having dictated the tempo for long stretches.

The decisive second goal arrived on the hour mark. Mohamed Salah, who had come on earlier following Joe Gomez’s injury, delivered a pinpoint corner into the area, where Ekitike rose unmarked to power a header into the top corner, completing his brace and doubling Liverpool’s advantage.

Brighton pushed forward in search of a response, creating several half-chances through Mats Wieffer, Kaoru Mitoma and Charalampos Kostoulas, but they were repeatedly denied by last-ditch defending and intelligent game management from Liverpool.

A late flurry of corners and crosses failed to unsettle the home side, who remained composed deep into the extended stoppage time.

Liverpool also managed injury concerns in the latter stages, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister both receiving treatment, while substitutions allowed Slot to preserve control and see out the match professionally.