Alexander Isak continued his impressive scoring run as Liverpool defeated Brighton 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday, securing Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League victory at the stadium.
Liverpool scored twice in quick succession in the first half, with a Pascal Gross own goal followed by Isak’s strike to seal the victory.
Isak has scored six goals in seven Premier League appearances this season, including three in his last four matches.
After a turbulent debut season following his acrimonious move from Newcastle United, the Swedish striker is beginning to justify his £125 million ($167 million) transfer fee.
The victory marked a welcome breakthrough for Iraola, who had failed to win his first three Premier League matches at Anfield since arriving from Bournemouth in the close season.
The Spaniard, who had previously won Champions League and League Cup matches at the stadium, has now guided Liverpool to four consecutive victories in all competitions following their disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
Liverpool climbed to fourth place in the Premier League table, one point behind third-placed Brighton, after inflicting the Seagulls’ second league defeat of the season.
The Reds remain six points behind leaders Manchester City as they pursue a potential title challenge.
Liverpool had gone five consecutive home league matches without a win, dating back to last season, recording four draws and one defeat during that run.
However, they produced a composed performance against Brighton, ending the visitors’ recent scoring spree after they arrived at Anfield as the Premier League’s highest-scoring team.
Brighton could have taken an early lead when Diego Gomez’s pass caught Virgil van Dijk off guard. Gross delivered a cross to Yasin Ayari, who fired over with the goal at his mercy.
Rampant Liverpool Punish Brighton
Liverpool capitalised on the missed opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute.
Ronald Araujo surged forward before delivering a cross into the Brighton penalty area, where Florian Wirtz struck powerfully. The effort took a significant deflection off Gross before finding the bottom corner.
Cody Gakpo almost doubled Liverpool’s advantage moments later, but goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen tipped his rising effort over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to dominate and extended their lead in the 21st minute through Isak.
Iraola had selected Bradley Barcola and Gakpo on the wings despite Rio Ngumoha’s impressive performance in Liverpool’s midweek victory over Villarreal.
Barcola rewarded the manager’s decision by sprinting onto a long pass from goalkeeper Alisson Becker before delivering a cross that Isak converted with a clinical close-range finish.
The goal marked the first time Isak had scored in three consecutive league appearances since January 2025, when he was playing for Newcastle United.
The Swedish forward came close to adding another but was denied by Lewis Dunk’s last-ditch block after receiving a pass from Wirtz.
Liverpool continued to threaten, with Araujo forcing an excellent save from Verbruggen shortly before half-time.
News that Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United were losing to Bournemouth also drew loud cheers from the Kop during the interval.
Liverpool maintained control after the break, comfortably protecting their two-goal advantage despite losing Wirtz to injury.
The victory suggested that Iraola’s side were finding their rhythm after an inconsistent start to the campaign.
Liverpool now face two significant tests, with Chelsea visiting Anfield for the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday before second-placed Arsenal arrive for a crucial Premier League encounter on November 1.