Moments you may not have spotted during Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season continued with a frustrating draw against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino scored twice and Adam Webster deflected in a corner as the Reds came from 2-0 down only to be ultimately pegged back to a 3-3 stalemate. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have now taken just 10 points from their opening seven league games, matching Liverpool’s worst such return in a decade.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Anfield.
Fabinho prompts fume
Anfield was not a happy place for large swathes of the game at the weekend. And it wasn’t just in the stands there were grumbles aplenty.
On the pitch, Jurgen Klopp was unhappy at Fabinho during the second half and made his point forcibly towards the midfielder, who appeared to selectively chose to ignore what was being said until the message from the Reds boss became too loud to turn a deaf ear towards.
Fabinho then promptly exchanged a few words with the manager before matters were smoothed over. Never say it doesn’t matter to these people.
Liverpool’s dismal start in conceding twice inside the opening 20 minutes – and reliant on some good saves from Alisson Becker to avoid an even greater deficit – required immediate remedial work.
And Klopp didn’t wait until half-time as he called Virgil van Dijk over to the touchline to issue out some instructions as Brighton celebrated their second goal.
Whatever was said, it worked up to a point. But it clearly will take more than a few quick words to address the Reds’ problems at present.
Lallana transfer ‘explained’
It’s a long old trip from Brighton up to Merseyside and the travelling fans who packed the away end were determined to make the most of it.
And having suggested Klopp might be out of a job within 24 hours after their side went 2-0 up, the Seagulls faithful then explained why a former Liverpool title winner made the switch to the South Coast two years ago.
“Adam Lallana, he left because you’re s***” was the chant. It was impossible not to smirk.
Trent screams
Trent Alexander-Arnold would be the first to admit he had an absolute shocker for much of the game, even if it was his corner that prompted Liverpool to go ahead midway through the second half.
But football always offers hope of salvation. And that arrived with a few minutes remaining when, with the Reds awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal, Alexander-Arnold had a chance to strike a dramatic winner.
The fingertips of Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez denied the right-back, who dropped to his knees and let out a scream of frustration. It was certainly one of those days for Alexander-Arnold.
