Analysis: Liverpool

Liverpool set up in their fluid 4-3-3 formation, deploying the same starting line-up from their victory over Crystal Palace in their previous Premier League fixture. They predictably had control of the ball for the majority of the game – recording 66 per cent possession over the 90 minutes – but faced the difficult task of breaking down a well-organised Brighton block.

They were invited to bring the ball out from the back, under no pressure, which reduced the space available for the front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah to run in behind. Up against this strategy, the responsibility fell to the midfielders and full-backs to offer movement and passing lines in advanced areas – with the aim of teasing individuals from Brighton’s block out of their slot and creating gaps for penetration.

James Milner drifted out to the right-hand side, but in between right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and centre-back Joe Gomez – which allowed the former to push higher up the pitch, outside Brighton’s block. Naby Keita, meanwhile, often ran beyond the away side’s midfield line – but as the 23-year-old rarely got on the ball in these areas, Georginio Wijnaldum played a more instrumental role in the build-up.

Continuing with the pattern of last season, the movement of Liverpool’s front three remains at the heart of their system. Mane, Firmino or Salah would position themselves on the shoulder of one of the back line, threatening to run in behind, while the remaining two forwards would drop into the vacant spaces between Brighton’s midfield and defensive lines. This presented two dilemmas for the Seagulls’ defence: if a player from the back line stepped up, space for the highest forward to run in behind would increase; but if the back line stayed in position, two forwards were available to receive the ball in dangerous areas.

Brighton’s midfielders were tasked with an important screening job – and they were successful, for the most part, in frustrating Liverpool. Despite their clever movement and dominance in possession, the Reds were fairly ineffective with the ball, creating few clear-cut opportunities. They were at their best in transition and when they moved the ball quickly, but even here they were not at their fluid best.

Liverpool remained in their 4-3-3 shape out of possession and looked to initiate their aggressive press where possible. They hunted in packs of three or four and forced play in very tight areas. At the point of the regain, there were always at least two options nearby to begin a counter-attack. The Liverpool players were effective in turning their tackle or interception into a first-time pass to a more advanced player – which is exactly how the winning goal came about, when James Milner robbed Yves Bissouma of possession and Mane, Firmino and Salah combined for the latter to score his 29th home goal from 29 appearances at Anfield.