Liverpool end Brighton’s unbeaten run with two first-half goals

Liverpool halted Brighton’s seven-match unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday, moving to within one point of their opponents in the Premier League table.

Pascal Groß turned the ball into his own net in the 17th minute to give Liverpool the lead. Florian Wirtz’s shot struck the Brighton player and changed direction before finding the net.

Liverpool doubled their advantage four minutes later when Alexander Isak finished from close range. Bradley Barcola supplied the pass into the penalty area, allowing Isak to side-foot the ball into the net with one touch.

The two goals came during a dominant opening spell for the home side, who took control of the match before Brighton could settle.

Brighton improved after the interval and enjoyed more possession, but they were unable to create a clear opportunity capable of seriously testing Liverpool’s defence. Liverpool dropped deeper in the second half and looked to threaten on the counter-attack.

Both teams made substitutions during the second half, although neither side could change the scoreline.

The defeat was Brighton’s first in seven matches in all competitions. They had won six of those games and drawn one, with their previous loss coming on 30 August, when Chelsea beat them 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool, meanwhile, extended their winning sequence to four matches in all competitions. Their run includes two victories in the Premier League and two in the Champions League.

The result lifted Liverpool to 15 points and fourth place, while Brighton remain third on 16 points.