Brighton vs Liverpool result: Player ratings as VAR denies Jurgen Klopp’s side victory
Pascal Gross’s controversial last-gasp penalty saw Brighton hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Diogo Jota had given the champions the lead on the hour mark after a brilliant dribble, beating two defenders before firing into the corner.
In a scoreless first half, Brighton forward Neal Maupay missed the target from the spot before Mohamed Salah saw an opening goal ruled out for offside by the smallest of fractions.
After the Reds took the lead, Sadio Mane then saw his strike ruled out by VAR – the second time in the game that Liverpool had a goal chalked off.
However, their victory slipped away in the dying stages when Andrew Robertson was ruled to have fouled Danny Welbeck in the box after another lengthy VAR check. Here are our player ratings:
Brighton
Mat Ryan – 6. The Australian had very little to do, saving only from Minamino in the first half.
Ben White – 7. Another fine performance from White, and he could do little to stop Jota from finding the net.
Adam Webster – 6. The centre-back struggled to keep pace with Salah at times, but he was commanding in the air. Beaten by Jota for the goal.
Lewis Dunk – 7. The Englishman was brilliant. He appeared calm in possession and dominant in the air, whilst his anticipation was excellent.
Joel Veltman – 6. The Dutchman performed well and looked comfortable in possession. Booked for an over-the-ball challenge on Firmino.
Pascal Groß – 7. He kept Brighton ticking over, and held his nerve to score from the spot and rescue a point.
Yves Bissouma – 5. Anonymous throughout as Liverpool dominated the midfield.
Solly March – 6. He failed to get into the game offensively, and was wasteful in possession. His late cross, cleared by Robertson, caused havoc.
Neal Maupay – 5. It was an awful penalty from the French forward, who was forced off early with an injury.
Danny Welbeck – 7. The former-Arsenal striker had some neat touches and solid hold-up play, and nearly scored the opener when he skipped away from both Alisson and Henderson but fired at Alisson.
Adam Connolly – 6. Missed a glorious opportunity after 10 minutes, firing wide when through on goal. His pace caused Liverpool problems.
Liverpool
Alisson – 7. On his 100th Liverpool appearance, the Brazilian was sent the wrong way by Maupay’s penalty, which went wide. He showed off his excellent ability with the ball at his feet.
Neco Williams – 5. The right back highlighted his inexperience with a rash challenge, although Connolly was looking for it. He was withdrawn at half time to make way for Jordan Henderson.
Nathaniel Phillips – 6. A solid performance, but it was his poor positioning that let Connolly in for his big chance. He made a great challenge to deny the Irishman early in the second half.
Fabinho – 8. A very tidy performance from the Brazilian.
Andy Robertson – 6. He was ever-present as always, but the Scot over-hit several crosses and ultimately gave away the last-minute penalty.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 7. Dictated the tempo throughout the game, and looked at home considering he was playing a deeper role than he is accustomed to.
James Milner – 7. Mr. Reliable does it again, slotting in wherever was needed and did a solid job.
Takumi Minamino – 6. He was smart in possession, but was anonymous for large periods of play.
Mohamed Salah – 7. Took his offside finish excellently, but didn’t dominate as much as he usually does.
Roberto Firmino – 6. Once again, Firmino struggled to get into the game but he reminded everyone why he is in the squad with a fantastic touch and pass to play in Salah for the Egyptian’s offside goal.
Diogo Jota – 8. The summer signing started brightly, but his influence faded as the first half went on. His goal was brilliantly taken, cutting inside Brighton defenders with ease before squeezing a shot into the bottom corner.
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