Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Brighton as Hugo Ekitike and 4 more superb

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Hugo Ekitike fired Liverpool to a second win on the spin as Mohamed Salah made a successful return to action for Arne Slot.

Ekitike opened the scoring after just 46 seconds for Liverpool but the Reds couldn't move further into the ascendancy in the first half, even when Salah came on to a hero's return and looked bright.

It was Salah who teed up Ekitike for his second of the afternoon, though, as his corner found the unmarked Frenchman inside the six-yard box. On an afternoon where Liverpool looked much better and earned a first home win since November 4, things are looking up again for the Reds.

Winners

Ekitike was the match-winner and the most impactful on the field, while Curtis Jones was very impressive again, just as he was against Inter Milan midweek. That midfield unit as a whole looked solid, which is certainly a step in the right direction, with a little added flair from Florian Wirtz.

Mohamed Salah, of course, also looked good here. The Egyptian seemed keen to make a point — no prizes for guessing why — as he ran hard and made himself a real team player. What happens next remains to be seen, but is he finished at the highest level? Clearly not.

Losers

Joe Gomez looked good until he went off with another injury, which has been a cruel pattern throughout his career to date. The 28-year-old would have got many more appearances for the Reds in the last decade had he been fit enough.

The latest issue and its severity remains to be seen, but it would be a major blow to lose him when he has been playing well — and there aren't many alternatives.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (7). Made a big save from Diego Gomez around 14 minutes into the game. That was a big moment, even if some of his distribution wasn't perfect at times. He had to play his part.

Joe Gomez (6). Very adventurous going forward and was given the space to exploit. Some good attacking movements and balls into the box, including the assist for the opener with his head, but had to go off injured early on, limiting his mark.

Ibrahima Konate (7). For the second game in a row, he got through without making a huge error. This was a good showing again from the 26-year-old, who appears to have addressed the slide. Booked for a hard tackle on halfway.

Virgil van Dijk (8). Some good distribution from the Dutchman, who performed well at the back and marshalled his side into position. Like midweek, looked much more comfortable with the extra bodies in front of him.

Milos Kerkez (7). Facing Yankuba Minteh, the former Bournemouth ace was very good at closing down his man. He likes to dive in at times but chose his moments well and just about got away with a bit of rashness.

Ryan Gravenberch (8). Front-footed and more than willing to take up positions much higher than a natural number six, Gravenberch looked like his usual self. That certainly hasn't always been the case this season. Confident and composed.

Curtis Jones (8). Full of energy and quality with and without the ball. He was very good at the San Siro midweek and carried on where he left off. At his best and when he's in his rhythm, he's brilliant. That's exactly what he was here, particularly first half.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7). Like Jones, he seemed to be playing a variety of roles, though he was technically starting from the right. He did well there and slotted in seamlessly at right-back when Gomez went off. Managed to run off a knock that looked painful.

Alexis Mac Allister (7). In a more advanced midfield position than he often plays, the Argentine floated around a little and wasn't tasked with running as much as his teammates, but he still got stuck in. It's where he likes to play, and it suits him.

Florian Wirtz (8). Starting on the left and coming inside, the German was full of his usual vigor and vibrance in possession. He ran hard to help out Kerkez and showed some real class on the ball. It seems like he's getting up to speed in the Premier League.

Hugo Ekitike (9). Opening the scoring after 46 seconds, the French forward took the goal well and looked lively. He was loving the space that Brighton left in behind to run into, and linked with his teammates really well. The match-winner.

Substitutes

Mohamed Salah (7). On in the first third of the game to replace the injured Gomez, he got huge cheers around Anfield every time he touched the ball. He chased and ran hard and teed up the second Ekitike goal with a really good corner. Not everything he tried came off, but he was trying very hard to make a good impression.

Alexander Isak (6). Much more energetic than often of late. Came on when there was space to exploit but wasn't really able to use it.

Andy Robertson (6). Played on the left wing to help out with Minteh down that flank. An interesting decision, but he did fine. Federico Chiesa also came on but too late to earn a rating.