Danny Gabbidon has reluctantly named Alisson Becker as the only Liverpool player worthy of praise at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls stunned the Reds to win 3-0 on Saturday.
A quick-fire double from Solly March (46’, 53’) early after the break put Roberto De Zerbi’s south coast side ahead. The 28-year-old then turned from scorer to creator and fed Danny Welbeck (81’). The result also moves Brighton above Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Liverpool were second best throughout the first half, too, but Brighton failed to make their chances count. The Seagulls near enough silenced the Merseyside natives led by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Kaoru Mitoma also relished playing against Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip endured a nightmare at the Amex whilst trying to defend against Mitoma. Matip’s loose pass also led to March’s first goal as Alexis Mac Allister stole possession before Mitoma crossed. Brighton had nearly won a penalty just before, as well.
Referee Darren England initially pointed to the spot when Alisson fouled March in the box. But the official overturned his call after speaking to Video Assistant Referee Neil Swarbrick, who spotted the Seagulls ace was offside. Not that it mattered as March soon beat Alisson.
Gabbidon reluctantly says Alisson was the only praiseworthy Liverpool player
Brighton continued to build their unassailable lead as Liverpool toiled with Alisson making a few positive impressions. The Brazilian stood little chance of saving any of the Seagulls’ goals. But the 30-year-old did well to deny Argentina star Mac Allister during the first half.
Alisson has now conceded 25 goals to four clean sheets through his 18 appearances in the Premier League this season. He has played every minute of the Anfield natives’ campaign so far. Salah has played the next most top-flight minutes by a Reds star at 1,599 of 1,620.
Given Liverpool’s difficult time dealing with Brighton on Saturday, former Wales defender Gabbidon struggled to see a reason to praise any of Jurgen Klopp’s players beyond Allison.
“Alisson might have to get Liverpool’s Man of the Match, and that just tells you the story,” Gabbidon said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s been a bad day at the office.”
Per WhoScored, Brighton attempted 16 shots with nine on target to Liverpool’s two from six on Saturday. The Seagulls also enjoyed 62% of the possession and played 558 accurate passes from 635 attempts. The Reds only completed 321 passes from their 391 attempts.
Brighton seeing far more of and doing far more with the ball meant Alisson registered five saves to Robert Sanchez’s two. The Reds goalkeeper also came out to collect four crosses. The Seagulls’ Spanish shot-stopper claimed one and completed more passes with 27 to 18.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
