Gross Own Goal, Isak Finish Give Liverpool 2-0 Win Over Brighton

Liverpool earned their first home Premier League victory of the season with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.

The Reds took control with two goals in four first-half minutes. Pascal Gross put through his own net in the 17th minute when Florian Wirtz’s shot, which appeared to be heading wide, was deflected in off the Brighton midfielder. Bradley Barcola then created the second in the 21st, crossing from the right for Alexander Isak to finish with a controlled volley.

Brighton had chances before falling behind. Yasin Ayari shot over after a promising move, and the visitors were almost handed a route back into the game when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson lost possession while playing out from the back, only for Ayari’s effort to strike the right post.

The own goal was the first league goal Brighton had conceded since their 1-1 draw with Leeds on 5 September.

Liverpool secured Andoni Iraola’s first league home win as manager, following home victories in the Champions League and Carabao Cup since he replaced Arne Slot in the summer.

Brighton’s defeat was only their second in 13 matches in all competitions this season. They remained third in the Premier League, while Liverpool moved from fifth to fourth, one point behind Brighton.

Wirtz, whose performances have been closely scrutinised since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025 in a deal that could reach £116m, was impressive before being substituted in the 65th minute. He was initially credited with Liverpool’s opener before it was ruled a Gross own goal.

Barcola and Isak, both big-money signings, combined well for the second goal. Isak, who joined from Newcastle for a British record £125m in September 2025, missed much of last season with a broken leg. His six league goals this season are second only to Erling Haaland’s nine, and he has now scored in three consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January 2025, when he scored in eight straight games for Newcastle.

Liverpool could have added to their lead. Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen saved twice from Cody Gakpo and also denied Ronald Araujo, while Alexis Mac Allister headed wide against his former club and Isak sent another effort over.

Liverpool’s defensive record has been questioned this season, but they produced a resilient second-half display to prevent Brighton from mounting a comeback.