Liverpool manager Arne Slot credited his team’s transformed second-half performance for their hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton, a win that saw them climb to the top of the Premier League table.
After a sluggish first half where Liverpool trailed 1-0, Slot emphasised the team’s shift in energy and positioning as the foundation for the turnaround.
“We needed another second-half performance because we were outplayed in the first half,” Slot told Sky Sports. “They were better on the ball, more aggressive without the ball. Then, everything changed in the second half because it was completely the opposite.”
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, who scored within three minutes of each other, sealed the comeback after a challenging first half in which Brighton’s pressing and control had Liverpool on the back foot. Slot noted that while Liverpool’s forwards ultimately converted their chances, the improvement was team-wide.
“Our attackers scored the goals, but the main difference was we were better positioned, and we had the ball a lot more,” he explained. “Without the ball, they made problems for us, but in the second half, we just kept running.”
Slot also downplayed the significance of going top of the table, focusing instead on the performance and the resilience shown. “It’s more if you play against Arsenal in their stadium and you can get a draw away from home. Brighton are a very strong team as well; they have shown this season. If you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win, which in my opinion was deserved, that gives me a lot of confidence. More than the position we are in.”
The match also saw an unfortunate injury for Ibrahima Konate, who was substituted at halftime due to discomfort. Slot praised the response from substitute Joe Gomez, who filled in admirably.
“He [Konate] had a lot of pain during half-time, so then you have to make the change,” Slot said. “The good thing is we have two very good replacements in Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah. I chose Joe today because Jarell was really tired, and he proved I was right because he was outstanding in the second half.”
Slot commended Gomez’s contributions and defensive presence during the comeback. “He had a very good performance without the ball. He constantly stepped into midfield to win the ball, winning the duels, and when he had to defend, he did very well. Very good second half.”
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