Isak scores again as Liverpool beat Brighton to climb fourth

Alexander Isak continued his impressive scoring run as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, giving manager Andoni Iraola his first Premier League home victory with the club.

Liverpool scored twice in four first-half minutes, with Pascal Gross turning the ball into his own net before Isak added a second. The Sweden striker has now scored six goals in seven league appearances this season, including three in his past four matches.

The goal was another sign that Isak is beginning to justify his £125 million ($167 million) transfer fee after a difficult first season following his acrimonious move from Newcastle.

For Iraola, the result ended a wait for a first top-flight win at Anfield. The Spaniard had drawn four and lost one of his previous five home league matches, while he had also failed to win any of his first three league games on Merseyside since joining from Bournemouth in the close season.

Iraola had already guided Liverpool to Champions League and League Cup victories at Anfield. This result made it four consecutive wins in all competitions since the chastening 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City.

Liverpool moved up to fourth place, one point behind third-placed Brighton after inflicting the Seagulls’ second league defeat of the campaign. The Reds remain six points behind leaders City as they consider a possible title challenge.

Brighton arrived as the Premier League’s highest-scoring side and could have gone ahead early on. Diego Gomez’s pass exposed Virgil van Dijk, allowing Gross to cross for Yasin Ayari, but Ayari lifted his effort over the bar with the goal unguarded.

Liverpool punished that miss in the 17th minute. Ronald Araujo surged forward and delivered into the area, where Florian Wirtz struck powerfully. The ball took a substantial deflection from Gross before settling in the bottom corner.

Cody Gakpo almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, but Bart Verbruggen tipped his rising shot over the bar.

The second goal arrived in the 21st minute. Bradley Barcola, selected alongside Gakpo on the wings despite Rio Ngumoha’s outstanding display in the midweek victory against Villarreal, chased down a long pass from goalkeeper Alisson Becker before sending a cross towards Isak. The striker finished from close range.

Isak has now scored in three successive league matches for the first time since doing so for Newcastle in January 2025. He came close to a fourth when Lewis Dunk blocked his effort after Wirtz had supplied the pass.

Liverpool remained in control, with Verbruggen producing an excellent save to keep out a fierce effort from Araujo just before half-time. News that Manchester United were losing to Bournemouth prompted loud celebrations from the Kop during the interval.

Brighton could not find a response after the break, although Liverpool lost Wirtz to injury. Iraola’s side are finding consistency after an uneven opening to the season.

Their next challenges are Chelsea’s visit in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday, followed by a crucial meeting with second-placed Arsenal on November 1.