Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah making a significant impact off the bench. The win marks Liverpool's first Premier League victory at home in six weeks.
Hugo Ekitike was the star of the show, scoring both goals for the Reds. His first came within the opening minute, just 46 seconds into the match, marking the fastest Premier League goal of the 2025/26 season. Ekitike capitalized on an early Brighton error to give Liverpool the lead. Joe Gomez headed a sliced clearance from Yankuba Minteh down to Ekitike, who controlled the ball with a great touch before powerfully finishing into the roof of the net.
Salah, who had been the subject of much discussion after a recent interview, started on the bench but was brought on in the 26th minute, replacing the injured Joe Gomez. His introduction was met with cheers from the Liverpool fans. In the 62nd minute, Salah delivered an inswinging corner that found Ekitike, who headed home at the back post to double Liverpool's advantage.
This assist was Salah's 277th Premier League goal involvement for Liverpool, breaking Wayne Rooney's record of 276 for Manchester United for the most goal involvements for a single club. It also marked a triumphant return for Salah, who had been an unused substitute in two of Liverpool's previous three Premier League games.
Brighton had their opportunities to get back into the game. Diego Gomez hit the post in the second half from a cross by Mats Wieffer, and Brajan Gruda sent a shot past the far post. Earlier, Diego Gomez had an effort saved by Alisson.
Speaking after the game, there was no farewell wave from Salah, despite speculation surrounding his future. He is now set to join up with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah had mentioned telling his family to attend the Brighton match, in case it was his last for the club, with the January transfer window approaching.
The victory moves Liverpool up to sixth in the table, with 26 points, three points and three places above Brighton.
