Isak scores again as Liverpool beat Brighton

Liverpool recorded their first home Premier League win of the season thanks to an impressive performance against in-form Brighton.

Two goals in a four-minute first half spell - an own goal from Seagulls midfielder Pascal Gross followed by Alexander Isak's sixth goal of the season - put the Reds in control.

They should have conceded before the goals came, but Brighton's Yasin Ayari fired wastefully over the top after a fine move from the visitors.

Ayari's miss proved costly as Liverpool took a 17th-minute lead when Florian Wirtz's shot, which was going wide, was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Gross.

That was the first goal the Seagulls had conceded in the league since a 1-1 draw against Leeds on 5 September.

Brighton's defence was breached again shortly after, when Bradley Barcola did superbly down the right wing to create a chance and his cross was met by Isak's cushioned volley to double the Reds' advantage.

The visitors were nearly gifted a way back into the match when home goalkeeper Alisson lost possession when playing out for the back, but Ayari's shot rebounded off the foot of the right-hand post.

Liverpool saw out Andoni Iraola's first league win at Anfield as Reds boss - to follow two home Champions League victories and one in the Carabao Cup since he replaced the sacked Arne Slot in the summer.

Brighton's loss was only their second in 13 matches in all competitions in 2026-27 and they stayed third in the Premier League, with Liverpool moving up from fifth to fourth, one point behind the Seagulls.