Recap

Liverpool Secure Vital 2-0 Win Over Brighton Thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s Brace

Liverpool defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Anfield on December 13, 2025, in a crucial Premier League encounter, with Hugo Ekitike scoring both goals, including the fastest of the season, on the day Mohamed Salah made an earlier-than-expected return.

Match Overview and Final Score

The final score was Liverpool 2, Brighton and Hove Albion 0, ending Liverpool’s run of successive Premier League draws and providing much-needed relief for manager Arne Slot. Ekitike’s double proved decisive, first nodding in a Joe Gomez assist early in the first half before converting from a Salah corner shortly after the restart. The victory moved Liverpool to 26 points from 16 games, placing them sixth in the table behind leaders Arsenal on 36 points, with Brighton slipping to ninth on 23 points after their second defeat in seven league matches.

Anfield erupted as Liverpool controlled much of the game, though Brighton created chances they failed to convert, highlighting their ongoing struggles in front of goal. The match timeline showed key events at the 26th minute for Salah’s introduction, goals around the 59-60 minute mark, and late substitutions, culminating in a second half that extended into 10 added minutes.

First Half: Salah’s Return Sparks Liverpool

The game kicked off with Liverpool asserting dominance at Anfield, but the first major talking point came in the 26th minute when Mohamed Salah entered the pitch earlier than anticipated, replacing Joe Gomez. Salah’s return was a boost, especially amid speculation about his immediate future, with some questioning if it might be his last appearance in a Liverpool shirt for a while.

Brighton held firm initially, but Liverpool broke through just before halftime. Joe Gomez, before his substitution, nodded down a precise delivery for Hugo Ekitike to fire home the opener—this strike marked the fastest goal of the Premier League season to that point, underscoring Ekitike’s clinical finishing. Brighton had opportunities, including a blocked shot from Charalampos Kostoulas deep into added time at the death, but they couldn’t equalize before the break. Liverpool’s defense, anchored by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, remained solid, limiting Brighton’s threats.

Second Half: Ekitike Doubles Down for Insurance

The second half exploded into life early, with Ekitike striking again around the 59-60 minute mark to make it 2-0. This time, it was Mohamed Salah who delivered the corner kick, finding Ekitike unmarked to head or volley home, providing crucial insurance after a single-goal lead might not have sufficed, as seen in Liverpool’s previous draw against Leeds where a brace wasn’t enough.

Brighton pushed back, with moments of end-to-end action described as frantic in the highlights. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister made a big block to thwart a Brighton chance, while substitutes like Alexander Isak and Federico Chiesa added fresh legs later on. Key timeline events included substitutions at 64th, 78th, 82nd, and 83rd minutes: including Robertson, Isak, and Szoboszlai coming on. The game stretched to 90+10 minutes, with Kostoulas having a right-footed shot blocked from close range in the dying seconds, but Liverpool held firm for a clean sheet. Alisson Becker was largely untested, crediting the backline including Gomez early, Van Dijk, Konate, and Milos Kerkez.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

• 26′ – Salah’s Surprise Entry: Mohamed Salah comes on for Joe Gomez, injecting pace and creativity into Liverpool’s attack amid his much-discussed return.
• ~59′-60′ – Ekitike’s Record Breaker: The French forward scores the fastest Premier League goal of the season, assisted by Gomez’s knockdown, silencing Anfield briefly before celebration.
• ~59′-64′ – Second Goal Onslaught: Salah’s corner finds Ekitike again for 2-0, shifting momentum decisively.
• Late Blocks and Substitutions: Mac Allister’s block and frantic end-to-end play keep tension high, but Liverpool see it out.
• 90’+10′ – Final Whistle: Kostoulas’ blocked shot epitomizes Brighton’s wastefulness.

Player Performances: Stars of the Show

Hugo Ekitike was the undisputed man of the match, bagging a brace with ruthless efficiency—his first a thunderous finish from a Gomez nod-down, the second a poacher’s header from Salah’s set-piece. Substituted in the 78th for Isak, his impact was total, helping Liverpool back to winning ways.

Mohamed Salah stole headlines with his early return and direct involvement in the second goal via corner, showcasing vision despite limited minutes—his last game for a bit, per commentary. Joe Gomez impressed before exiting, assisting the opener with a clever header down.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister shone defensively with a crucial block, while Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Florian Wirtz dictated tempo before subs. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were rocks, with Milos Kerkez solid at left-back and Alisson securing a shutout.

For Brighton, Charalampos Kostoulas came closest late but was denied, summing up their day. They had chances but lacked the killer instinct, contributing to a second loss in seven.

Tactical Breakdown: Slot’s Liverpool Click into Gear

Arne Slot’s side showed resilience after recent draws, with a lineup blending experience (Van Dijk, Mac Allister) and youth (Ekitike, Wirtz). The 2-0 scoreline flattered the control Liverpool exerted, using Salah’s return to unlock Brighton. Brighton’s inability to capitalize on openings echoes their mid-table form, six wins, five draws, five losses from 16 games.

Liverpool’s bench depth shone: Robertson, Chiesa, Isak entering late to close out. This win vaults them up the table, now level with Crystal Palace on 26 points, chasing top-four spots.

League Standings Impact and Looking Ahead

Post-match table: Arsenal lead on 36, City 31, Villa 30, Chelsea 28, Liverpool and Palace 26, United 25, Everton 24, Brighton 23. For Slot, this much-needed victory halts sliding form, with Ekitike’s double key.

Brighton rue missed chances, their +2 goal difference holding but points tally vulnerable. Salah’s role adds intrigue to Liverpool’s season—farewell or resurgence?

The Anfield crowd witnessed a gritty, opportunistic win, Ekitike emerging as hero on Salah’s big day. Liverpool march on, eyes on climbing higher.