Liverpool player ratings: Barcola and Isak shine in Brighton win

Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak were the standout performers as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, making it four consecutive home wins for Andoni Iraola's side.

The win was not the most comfortable for the six-time European champions, but a first-half blitz proved decisive. Florian Wirtz opened the scoring when his strike trickled past Bart Verbruggen, though the goal was later credited as an own goal after taking a hefty deflection off Pascal Gross.

First-Half Blitz

Liverpool doubled their lead almost immediately when Barcola, alive to a loose ball, set up Isak to tap into an empty net. Brighton rallied before the break but could not claw their way back into the game.

The Seagulls continued their efforts in the second half, but the goal never arrived, and Liverpool held on to secure all three points.

Player Ratings

Alisson - 5: Almost at fault for a first-half concession after a stray pass fell to a Brighton player; looked shaky throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Ronald Araujo - 7: Superb work for the opening goal, riding two challenges before picking out Wirtz in the box.
Jeremy Jacquet - 7: Has built an imperious partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk - 7: Looked typically assured at the back.
Milos Kerkez - 6: Offered plenty of industry on the left but faded as the match went on.
Alexis Mac Allister - 5: Sloppy at times.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6: A welcome boost in midfield following his one-match suspension.
Florian Wirtz - 6: Deflected goals being taken away from him seems to be a recurring theme; went off injured in the first half.
Cody Gakpo - 5: Saw plenty of the ball but was quite wasteful.
Alexander Isak - 7: Wasn't particularly involved in the first half but took his goal wonderfully.
Bradley Barcola - 8: Alive to the bouncing ball and had the presence of mind to pick out his team-mate in the penalty area. Best player on the pitch.