Liverpool Anfield gloom deepens as 1984 Fagan failing haunts Klopp in Brighton defeat

Liverpool’s recent woes at Anfield continued as Brighton pulled off a historic 1-0 win over the lacklustre reigning champions.

The Reds have now failed to score in three successive top-flight home games, something not done since Joe Fagan was in charge in 1984.

Brighton took the lead through Steven Alzate’s goal after 56 minutes and held on amid a late flurry of Liverpool attacks for their first win over Liverpool in 13 attempts.

Mohamed Salah, fresh from his double against West Ham, looked sharp from the off and shot over after two minutes from a Jordan Henderson ball over the top.

However, the Reds largely lacked creativity against Brighton’s low block. Indeed, when the Seagulls got out, they had the best chance of the half.

After Neal Maupay was played through, he picked out Dan Burn on the other side of the box but the defender – who was in space – could not control his wayward first-time effort.

Thiago Alcantara tried to add some spark into the Liverpool attack by going short from a free-kick, but again Graham Potter’s men defended resolutely.

The visitors also finished the first period stronger than their opponents, an effort going over the bar.

Brighton take lead at Anfield

Liverpool have looked defensively solid in recent weeks considering their shortage of senior, recognised options.

But Brighton got their reward for another strong start to the second half with Steven Alzate’s goal; the midfielder benefitted when a ball into the box could not be cleared by Nathaniel Phillips.

As such, Jurgen Klopp looked to the bench straight away, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi coming on for Xherdan Shaqiri and Georginio Wijnaldum.

The game then opened up, with Brighton – in their style – not sitting back looking to defend their lead. In fact, Pascal Gross’ low shot forced a parrying save from Caoimhin Kelleher before Henderson cleared.

Brighton hold on amid Liverpool flurry

Burn then got forward himself and forced another save from Liverpool’s deputy goalkeeper.

In between those chances, Salah had a shot over the bar before Robert Sanchez watched Roberto Firmino’s long-range shot sail wide of the post.

Liverpool continued to come forward, but the visitors held firm to secure a huge win and pull them further clear of the relegation zone.

Klopp’s men, meanwhile, lost ground on Manchester United, Leicester and Manchester City.