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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Jordan Henderson sparks Liverpool fume as Harvey Elliott makes gesture

Liverpool's difficult season reached a new low when they were beaten in dismal fashion at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Reds were second-best for the duration of the Premier League game as they slumped to a 3-0 reverse. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have now become the first Liverpool side to lose their opening two league games in a calendar year since 1993.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the AMEX Stadium.

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Away fans not impressed

Liverpool supporters had their patience tested to the limit as the long trek to the South Coast was rewarded with a truly appalling display from their team. And at times it was a bit too much.

Skipper Jordan Henderson unwittingly prompted a wave of anger among the travelling Kop when he played the ball from near the halfway line all the way back to Alisson Becker rather than initiate another attack.

And during the second half, visiting fans housed at the end where the Reds were attacking became increasingly irate at the lack of appetite from their players to close down home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Elliott makes gesture

While a few Liverpool fans couldn't last the duration, the majority of those inside the AMEX Stadium stuck it out until the final whistle.

Not every Reds player made it across to the away end after the final whistle, some so disappointed with the team's display they trudged straight down the tunnel.

But substitute Harvey Elliott was among those who saluted the suffering supporters, and handed over his match shirt to one fortunate fan sat near the front.

Brighton breezy

Things might not be so great at present. But if there's one consolation for Liverpool, it's that they remain a major scalp for opponents.

Brighton didn't quite embark on the lap of honour Brentford had when the Reds were beaten in London earlier this month. But a quick glance at the Seagulls' Twitter feed underlined they didn't treat it quite like a normal victory.

And there was a special moment when two-goal Solly March returned to the dressing room and was serenaded with his terrace chant, the singalong led by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Worlds apart

Before the game, the stadium announcer at Brighton was quite keen to remind everyone only one team had a World Cup winner in their squad.

And there was a somewhat surreal moment when Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister, wearing his winners' medal, was brought out for photos next to the World Cup, which was stood on a plinth.

It must surely have been an imitation, though. After all, that Salt Bae chap would not want to let the trophy out of his sight.

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