March 12, (THEWILL) – With goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah against Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool closed the deficit on Premier League leaders, Manchester City, to three points.
Brighton came close with a free kick from outside the box from Neal Maupay, but the Reds seized the lead in the 19th minute, when Diaz nodded in Joel Matip’s wonderful cross.
The Colombian was mauled by Seagulls goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, who appeared to be saved from receiving a red card as the ball went in.
After Liverpool’s opener, the Seagulls’ danger faded, and it was the visitors who came closest before the first half ended.
Salah was dispatched down the left flank and managed to leave Yves Bissouma behind, but Sanchez saved his effort from a tight angle.
At the start of the second half, Brighton had a chance to score, with Maupay eventually setting up Leandro Trossard, who blazed over despite being in a good position. In any event, there was a suspicion of handball in the build-up, so it could have been disallowed.
Salah had two chances to double Liverpool’s advantage, but he first struck the bar with a deflected effort before scuffing a shot over when well positioned, but he made no mistake when referee Mike Dean awarded a penalty.
Salah’s 20th league goal came when Naby Keita slammed a shot at Yves Bissouma’s raised arm, allowing the Egyptian to convert straight down the centre from the spot.
The win keeps Liverpool in touch with Manchester City in the Premier League title chase, while Brighton suffers their fifth straight defeat in the division.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
