With seven players absent, two of them through suspension following last week’s controversial loss to Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp’s only real problem is in midfield.

Surprisingly, Harvey Elliott was chosen ahead of Wataru Endo or Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool went behind in the 20th minute when Simon Adingra capitalized on Virgil van Dijk’s sloppy pass to Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson had it blocked.

Conceding was a shocking goal for Liverpool, a loose play from all three players at fault and an absolute gift for Brighton. Fair play, but Adingra had a great finish.

For the seventh time this season (from 11 matches) the Red Devils conceded first.

Brighton were the better team, while Liverpool were sloppy; The midfield is easily cut continuously.

However, in a tense match, the equalizer came. Liverpool won the ball in midfield and the move ended with Nunez playing with Salah, who finished beautifully.

And Salah appeared again just as the first half ended, brilliantly converting a penalty after Szoboszlai was fouled in the box.

BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND – Sunday, October 8, 2023: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (right) celebrates with teammates after scoring the first equalizing goal in the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at American Express Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

However, it remains a mystery that Brighton’s Pascal Gross was not sent off. A blatant denial of a scoring opportunity.

Liverpool, somehow, took the lead at half-time after playing rather poorly for much of their opening 45 games.

Half 1: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Underlining Liverpool’s problems in the first half, Elliott, who was making his first start of the season in the league, was replaced by Gravenberch.

Liverpool needed Alisson to be at his best to prevent Adingra’s equalizer right after the break.

Right after that, the score should have been 3-1. A superb move ended with Gravenberch heading the crossbar from close range. It became a decisive moment.

Diaz had a good chance but shot wide, while Salah continued to cause problems with his runs in behind.

Brighton wanted to get a penalty for handballing Van Dijk, when Klopp intervened to calm Roberto De Zerbi.

Brighton equalized in the 78th minute when March’s free kick was taken by Lewis Dunk; Andy Robertson should have done better as a striker.

BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND – Sunday, October 8, 2023: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (left) and Darwin Núñez look dejected as Brighton & Hove Albion score an equalizer to level the scores at 2-2 in the FA Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the American Express Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

And Brighton should have taken the lead five minutes later when Joao Pedro crashed in unmarked from six yards.

Both teams looked for goals but Liverpool’s end product was often lacking.

In the end, a draw would have been a fair result, but it was another wasted opportunity for Liverpool as Man City and Arsenal met later in the day.

This is not how Klopp wanted to mark his 8th career anniversary.