Liverpool dropped points for the second successive Premier League match as Brighton held them to a 2-2 draw on the south coast. Having slipped to defeat at Tottenham last time out in the league, this was a further blow to the Reds’ early title hopes.

After 20 minutes, Brighton took the lead thanks to a sloppy pass from Virgil van Dijk that allowed Simon Adingra to dislodge Alexis MacAllister, who then guided a long-range shot past the helpless Alisson Becker.

However, Mohamed Salah scored twice just before halftime to give the Reds the lead. Harvey Elliott masterfully dummied Darwin Nunez’s ball, and he firstly curled a shot into the bottom corner. He then scored his second goal from the penalty spot after Dominik Szoboszlai was fouled.

Jurgen Klopp’s side should have stretched their lead when substitute Ryan Gravenberch hit the crossbar from close range, and they were made to pay with just over 10 minutes left when Lewis Dunk diverted a low free-kick past Alisson.

Rates Liverpool’s players from the Amex Stadium…

Alisson Becker (5/10):

Probably should have done better with Adingra’s goal. Made amends somewhat with a good save from the same player shortly after the break.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

Back in the Premier League line-up after injury. Reds still working on how to cover when he moves centrally.

Joel Matip (5/10):

Slow in possession and struggled when having to cover for Alexander-Arnold. Replaced for the final 20 minutes.

Virgil van Dijk (4/10):

Poor pass into Mac Allister led to Brighton’s opener. Didn’t move the ball quick enough thereafter.

Andrew Robertson (5/10):

Troubled at times by Adingra but also made a couple of strong challenges to snuff out attacks. Should have cleared the free-kick that led to Dunk’s equaliser.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):

Solid in midfield before being replaced at the break. Fine dummy helped set up Salah’s first.

Alexis Mac Allister (3/10):

Still not comfortable in his No.6 role. Partly at fault for Adingra’s goal and gave possession away far too often in dangerous areas. Though put off by Robertson, he could have got in the way of the cross that eventually found Dunk, too.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Another impressive display. Excellent pressing led to him winning the penalty and played some excellent through-balls.

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Unerring finishes for both goals as he broke his away-day drought. Got a couple of dangerous crosses in thereafter.

Darwin Nunez (5/10):

Worked hard but saw little of the ball, though he did claim the official assist for Salah’s first. Runs all day, at least.

Luis Diaz (7/10):

Looked Liverpool’s biggest threat for long periods as he gave Veltman a real headache. Deserves praise despite others grabbing the headlines.

SUB:

Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):

Should have put the game to bed but somehow hit the bar from a couple of yards out.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

Did not look comfortable after replacing Matip.

Joe Gomez (5/10):

On for Alexander-Arnold but struggled up against Mitoma.

Jurgen Klopp (6/10):

Needs to figure out how to get the system with Alexander-Arnold coming inside working again and won’t be happy with how slowly his side moved the ball when in possession. Changes didn’t work, though was hamstrung by suspensions and injuries.