Liverpool 2-1 Brighton: Tactical Analysis

The 3pm blackout didn’t stop me from catching this fixture – a quick flick of the trusty VPN, Apple TV and Peacock subscription saved the day. It was one of those Premier League matchups where you couldn’t risk missing a moment. A tricky test for Liverpool, but Arne Slot’s side eked out a victory to continue their storming start to the season. This analysis dives into the tactical nuances behind Liverpool’s hard-fought win over a well-organised Brighton side.

Slot’s Squad Selections and Tactical Adjustments

With Alisson still sidelined through injury, Caoimhin Kelleher stepped in between the sticks. Kostas Tsimikas took Andy Robertson’s place at left-back, while Cody Gakpo was given the nod over Luis Díaz on the left wing – a chance to shine that proved pivotal. Statistically, Liverpool showed their edge, leading in shots (16-13), shots on target (8-5), big chances created (4-1), and touches inside the opposition box (31-24). However, as those numbers suggest, it was a closely contested affair.

Struggles to Break Down Brighton’s Defence

Liverpool’s shot map reveals a clear strategy: most attempts originated from inside or around the penalty area. Yet, converting those opportunities was anything but straightforward. Slot’s team, known for averaging 1.8 xG per 90 minutes in the Premier League, managed an xG of 1.7 here – sufficient for a narrow victory but hardly reflective of dominance.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side, set up in a disciplined 4-4-2, managed to close down central channels effectively, isolating Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai. This forced Gakpo and Mohamed Salah to widen their positioning, making it difficult for Liverpool to play line-breaking passes.

The Importance of Counter-Attacks

If there’s one thing Liverpool have perfected, it’s the art of counter-attacking football. The winning goal epitomised this mastery. Curtis Jones, operating deep, initiated the move with a key ball recovery in his own box. A progressive surge forward, a timely pass back from Díaz, and Salah found himself in the right half-space. The Egyptian maestro faced Pervis Estupiñán, danced around him, and unleashed a trademark curling shot to the far post. No chance for Verbruggen – it was a stunning finish.

Tsimikas: Stepping Up

One standout performer was Tsimikas. The Greek full-back proved his worth with a stellar performance, creating three chances (two deemed significant). His contribution didn’t end there: 80 touches, eight final-third passes, and six corners delivered showcased his versatility. Defensively robust, he won five out of seven tackles (71%) and all nine duels he contested – an exceptional display. His 91% passing accuracy (49/54 completed passes) further emphasised his reliability as a Robertson replacement.

Defensive Solidity: The Key to Victory

Defensively, Slot’s Liverpool transitioned into a 4-2-3-1 shape with the Gravenberch-Mac Allister double pivot shielding the back four. Gakpo, Szoboszlai, and Salah operated higher up to block central passing lanes, with Núñez spearheading the press. The result? Brighton were limited to just one big chance and 0.76 xG from open play. The compactness in Liverpool’s defensive setup underlined their tactical discipline.

Special mention must go to Ryan Gravenberch, whose relentless work rate set the tone out of possession. With 58 touches, nine ball recoveries, and a 67% ground duel success rate, he was indispensable. Trent Alexander-Arnold also stood out, winning eight tackles and achieving a remarkable 75% ground duel success rate (12/16).

Leading the Premier League Race

Saturday’s results compounded Liverpool’s joy. With Manchester City and Arsenal both slipping up, Slot’s side now lead the Premier League after 10 games. Their defensive solidity – with only six goals conceded and the best goal difference (+13) – lays a solid foundation. And with injured stars like Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa set to return by late November, optimism is in the Anfield air. Could this be a season where Liverpool achieves something truly spectacular?

Credit for tactical insights to Imre Borbely and xfb Analytics for the visuals.