Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton in the Premier League, with Hugo Ekitiké scoring both goals. Mohamed Salah made a strong return as a substitute, assisting the second goal after replacing the injured Joe Gomez. The win moved Liverpool up to sixth place, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Match Overview
Liverpool hosted Brighton at Anfield on December 13, 2025, in a Premier League fixture that saw the Reds return to winning ways. The match began with an explosive start as Hugo Ekitiké fired home after just 46 seconds—the fastest goal in the Premier League this season—following a header from Joe Gomez that Brighton failed to clear. This early strike set the tone for Liverpool's dominance under manager Arne Slot.
Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, struggled to consolidate Liverpool's lead in the first half. Yankuba Minteh posed threats down the right, curling a shot inches wide after 14 minutes and setting up Diego Gomez for a chance saved by Alisson. Ekitiké remained dangerous, scuffing efforts wide from Florian Wirtz and Joe Gomez setups. The half ended with Diego Gomez receiving a yellow card for a foul on Wirtz.
Salah's Impactful Substitute Appearance
Mohamed Salah entered the game in the 27th minute, replacing the injured Joe Gomez, to a loud Anfield reception. The 33-year-old Egyptian, omitted from the midweek Champions League win at Inter Milan after an outburst following a 3-3 draw at Leeds, quickly influenced proceedings. His first touch nearly assisted Alexis Mac Allister, and he remained lively throughout.
In the second half, both teams created chances. Ekitiké shot narrowly wide early on, while Brighton's Diego Gomez poked a Mats Wieffer cross against the post. Salah was pivotal for the second goal on the hour mark: his shot forced a corner from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, and from the set-piece, Ekitiké headed in Salah's delivery. Kaoru Mitoma, returning from injury, combined with Georginio Rutter for a late Brighton chance, but Salah missed a golden opportunity in injury time, shooting over from Federico Chiesa's pass.
Post-Match Reactions
Arne Slot praised Salah's inclusion as 'an easy decision,' noting his threat and assist. 'The first ball he touched, he almost made an assist for [Alexis] Mac Allister,' Slot said. 'We needed him and he assisted to the 2-0.' Salah appeared emotional applauding the Kop, amid speculation of a potential farewell before the Africa Cup of Nations and January transfer interest from Saudi clubs.
The result ended Liverpool's run of just one win in their last five league games, boosting them to sixth with 26 points from 16 matches. Brighton remained eighth, winless in December league games.
