Zonal Marking: Liverpool 3-3 Brighton and Hove Albion

This popular LFC File feature returns with the marking provided by Karolina Kurek, a devoted Red from Poland.

The Reds got back to business in the Premier League after the International games. It’s been 18 days since they last played in the top-flight, such unprecedented time off from football was due to the saddened passing of the Queen Elizabeth.

There was one aim after the International break – to hit the ground running. However, Brighton, the visiting side was on the same page and they thwarted Liverpool’s hopes of getting off to a good start.

Goalkeeper and Defence

Alisson started in goal for Liverpool with Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk as the two central defenders. Alexander-Arnold was fielded at right back and Kostas Tsimikas at left back.

It was a day the Reds’ defence will hope to forget and move on. However, this isn’t the case. Rangers await next. Jurgen Klopp alongside his staff will need to analyse the game and make sure such poor a defensive performance won’t happen again.

After the encounter, van Dijk’s and Alexander Arnold’s current form must be questioned, they committed a high number of individual errors. The English lad had a shocking display at the back, he looked misguided and failed to stop Trossard on the right side, which resulted in Trossard putting the ball into the back of the net. To make things worse, two goals were conceded from the right.

When it comes to the tall Dutchman, not that long ago, he’d be a mainstay and rescuer that kept Liverpool from losing vital points. Today, he looked a shadow of his former self. On the other hand, Joel Matip was pretty good on the ball. He had a few long runs with the ball, as the opponents gave him more space and he took advantage of it.

However, he was bewildered by Brighton’s early movement. Liverpool’s goal was in safe hands. Alisson could do nothing more with these 3 goals in his net. Brilliant saves from Welbeck and Trossard, helped deliver one point.

2/5

Midfield

Jurgen Klopp designated Thiago, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson for the midfield. The skipper returned to the starting XI after a period on the sidelines. The German manager deemed him ready to play at Anfield from the very first minute, as he worked his socks off during the international duty.

Henderson was off the boil, and struggled. His movement was slower compared to his counterparts in the middle of the park. In some parts of the second half, he did a decent job – having contributed to Firmino’s brace. Thiago is another player who’s ability was hindered this afternoon. He wasn’t capable of creating big chances for colleagues, general average performance.

As for Fabinho – he wasn’t the last man standing in the middle of the park. Liverpool were played through way too easily. The second half was better for him, fending off the attacking threat and improved passing.

The middle third didn’t make a shield for the defensive third, instead it was a crumbling wall. Brighton’s condensing in this area thwarted the opponent’s options. The Reds were forced to slown down their attacks at times, or play back due to either closed channels or a lack of players that could intercept this pass.

2/5

Attack

Liverpool average around 2.57 goals per game. This stat proved true, they’ve bagged three goals at the end of the day (one o.g.).

The visitors hit the ground running with their two-goal advantage. Anfield went silent, fans’ faces were miserable and their silence reflected the current form of their favourite players.

Liverpool were able to respond to the result in the first half. Roberto Firmino showed again that you cannot doubt him. At first, the linesman flagged up an offside, but VAR’s intervention overturned the decision, and stated Adam Webster played Mo Salah onside.

Second half gave the team fresh faces. Liverpool came from behind to taking the lead. Firmino put the ball into the back of the net again, and now he has five goals for the season. He could have ended the game with a hat-trick under his belt, but headed straight at Sanchez.

The Reds aren’t as relentness as they were in the last couple of years. That 9-0 result at Bournemouth was the exception. Salah may not be as clinical as we’ve come to expect, and struggle to improve his scoring statistics, but he’s still a big part of this team. The opponents put their attention on him so that other players can get more space. Fabio Carvalho looked far away in this game, was subbed by Luis Diaz.

3/5