Liverpool player ratings as Roberto Firmino a mixed…

Liverpool player ratings as Roberto Firmino a mixed bag and two stars awful vs Brighton

Alisson Becker 8

Good saves from Welbeck and Trossard first half prevented an even greater humiliation. Made another good stop from Welbeck after break.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 3

Unfortunate slip for the first goal but gave the ball away due to lack of awareness for the second. Efforts to improve often made things worse, but swung in corner for third goal.

Joel Matip 7

Largely unsullied by Liverpool’s dreadful opening half-hour and grew into the game with an impressive showing.

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Virgil van Dijk 6

A couple of necessary challenges as Brighton pressed even if passing wasn’t always on point. Defensively solid second half

Kostas Tsimikas 4

Lack of quality deliveries from the flank and not given much cover from those ahead of him. Positioning suspect on occasion. Not his best game. Subbed.

Fabinho 5

Passing all over the place and seemed spooked by Liverpool’s general lack of composure in opening half-hour. Improved along with the team after break.

Jordan Henderson 5

Lots of endeavour but not much quality first half, his time on the sidelines evident by some heavy touches. Lob forward initiated Liverpool’s first goal, however. Subbed.

Thiago Alcantara 7

Distribution erratic when under pressure early on but became far more influential as Liverpool settled and footwork bamboozled Brighton at times after break. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah 6

By no means at his best but always a threat when in possession. Close with one shot and an assist of sorts to drag Liverpool back into game.

Roberto Firmino 7

Mixed bag, with some good pressing let down by iffy passing. But took his first goal well and then did even better to switch the ball from right foot to left to score the second.

Fabio Carvalho 5

A surprise starter on the left, was peripheral until starting to find some space approaching half-time. Subbed at break.

Luis Diaz (for Carvalho 46) 7

Made instant difference with his direct running and neat pass set up Firmino for second and in the vicinity to help force the third.

James Milner (for Tsimikas 59) 6

Roused the crowd with some solid challenges.

Harvey Elliott (for Henderson 59) 6

Added energy but not involved as much as he would have liked.

Diogo Jota (for Firmino 75) 6

Trademark no-nonsense forward play from the Portuguese.

Darwin Nunez (for Thiago 89)

No time to make an impression.