Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo won over the Kop with two fearless defensive actions in the 2-0 home victory over Brighton and Hove Albion. The Uruguayan, on loan from Barcelona, twice put his head on the line to preserve the Reds' lead.
Brave defending in front of the Kop
Araujo arrived at Anfield as a loan signing from Barcelona this summer and has impressed at right-back, a position that caused problems during last season's title defence. His bravery was on full display shortly after goals from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (recorded as a Pascal Gross own goal) gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead.
While on the floor in the penalty area, Araujo rolled over, steered his head towards the ball and a Brighton boot, and blocked the shot with his skull. It was the kind of moment which could have put the defender in hospital had the Brighton player committed fully with his shot.
Second act of courage
In the 82nd minute, Brighton substitute Malick Yalcouye drove down the wing. After a heavy touch, Araujo sprinted forward and committed to the challenge. Yalcouye jumped into the air, catching Araujo flush in the face with his leg. Araujo brushed himself down and got back up, as if he had not just taken a flying kick to the face.
Both actions drew a huge cheer from the Kop, who have taken Araujo to their hearts.
Manager's praise
Manager Andoni Iraola praised the defender after the match. "It helps a lot. I think we all enjoyed watching Ronald fighting," he said. "He's very good in the duels. Even the first goal I think he wins two duels in a row, he arrives to the byline, and it's not an assist but it's worth an assist. Defensively I think he's been really, really good."
Iraola added: "I'm happy for him, because I've taken him out at half-time in the last two games because we needed more offensive things, and he has continued working with no issues. Today we needed him more. He has given a very, very good 90 minutes."
The clean sheet was vital for Liverpool, coming against the division's top scorers. The result lifted the Reds into the top four, six points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
