Liverpool move fourth as Brighton’s seven-match unbeaten run ends at Anfield

Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield to end their seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions and move to within one point of their opponents in the Premier League table.

The result came in the eighth round of the Premier League on Sunday, with Liverpool scoring twice in the opening 21 minutes to establish control of the match.

Brighton defender Pascal Gross inadvertently put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute. Florian Wirtz’s shot struck Gross, changing direction before finding the back of the net and leaving the Brighton goalkeeper unable to prevent the opening goal.

Liverpool doubled their advantage four minutes later through Alexander Isak. Bradley Barcola delivered the pass into the penalty area and Isak finished with a first-time touch to make it 2-0.

Brighton responded with greater urgency after the interval and enjoyed more possession as they searched for a way back into the game. Liverpool, however, dropped deeper and looked to threaten on the counter-attack.

Despite both sides making substitutions during the second half, neither team was able to change the scoreline. Brighton failed to create a convincing opportunity to test Liverpool’s defence, while the hosts protected their advantage to secure a fourth successive victory in all competitions.

Brighton’s defeat was their first in seven matches. During that run, they had won six games and drawn one.

Their previous loss came on 30 August, when they were beaten 4-3 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The defeat at Anfield therefore ended a run that had carried Brighton into third place in the Premier League.

Liverpool’s latest success continues their positive sequence across domestic and European competition. Their four straight victories consist of two wins in the Premier League and two in the Champions League.

The three points lifted Liverpool to 15 points and fourth place in the table. Brighton remain third, one point ahead of Liverpool.