Liverpool Overcome Brighton 2-0 as Salah Returns Amid Contract Speculation

Ekitike Leads Liverpool to Crucial Victory

Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in a Premier League clash that saw Hugo Ekitike score both goals – including the fastest of the Premier League season. Ekitike struck after just 46 seconds, giving the hosts the perfect start in their quest to climb the table.

Salah’s Return Takes Centre Stage

The match was overshadowed by the ongoing Mohamed Salah saga, with Salah making an earlier-than-expected return in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory after being dropped for his controversial comments. Salah held talks with Arne Slot on Friday after his midweek Champions League omission and Joe Gomez’s injury released him from the bench midway through the first half. The Egyptian forward received a hero’s welcome from the Anfield faithful and made a significant impact, providing the assist for Ekitike’s second goal, delivering a corner that found the unmarked Frenchman inside the six-yard box.

Liverpool’s Tactical Evolution

The manager appears to have stumbled upon a means of getting everyone in the XI in an interchangeable system, deploying a diamond midfield, keeping the channels full while enabling Liverpool to still move possession quickly and efficiently. This tactical adjustment proved effective against Brighton, with both full-backs pushed incredibly high, urged to plough on and all but sit on the shoulders of the Liverpool forwards, while midfielders in the diamond formation tuck back.

Significance for Both Clubs

The victory was crucial for Liverpool, who heads into today’s game in 10th place in the table, but is just three points behind the Champions League places. Liverpool produced a much-improved display and secured their first home win since November 4. For Brighton, the defeat means they remain level on points with Liverpool but will be disappointed after creating chances, particularly through Minteh and Diego Gómez. The result keeps Liverpool’s season alive as they look to recover from a difficult period that has seen them struggle far below expectations.