Liverpool
Loris Karius – 7
Was relatively untroubled throughout the afternoon as Brighton struggled to pose any real threat in attack – he has managed to claim the number 1 jersey and looks set to play a role in the first team for seasons to come.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Was calm and composed in possession and displayed such confidence for his age – he was encouraged to push high up against Brighton and often received cross-field passes which suggests a practice that could be used effectively in the Champions League final.
Dejan Lovren – 8
Continues to look assured alongside Van Dijk and was in the right places at the right times for the infrequent Brighton attacks – he also timed his leap superbly to send a bullet header into the net for his second goal of the season which he enjoyed celebrating in front of the Kop.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8
Showed the burst of acceleration, that hasn’t really been seen before at Anfield, when needing to mop up a rare Brighton counterattack – he was impressive in and out of possession and was often the sender of the raking long passes to either wing.
Andy Robertson – 9
Liverpool’s ‘other exceptional’ signing scored his first goal for the club late in the second half – he also delivered a pinpoint delivery for Lovren’s headed goal in the first half and continued to show that his energy is relentless.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 8
A very good performance from the Dutchman who has had an up-and-down season – he covered a lot of ground and won his duels in the middle of the pitch, his movement across the turf was also eye-catching and hopefully he is reaching his peak at the right time of the season.
Jordan Henderson – 8
Was utterly dominant in midfield – he was always open for the pass and quickly spread the ball right across the front-line, he also produced a few well-timed interceptions and crunching tackles to put his side on the front foot.
Mohamed Salah – 9
Scored his 32nd league goal of the season to confirm his Golden Boot award and also set up Solanke with a fine piece of individual skill – he was taken off in the second half to a standing ovation, it is now onto the biggest of stages for Salah to finish his remarkable season.
Roberto Firmino – 8
Played in a deeper role behind Solanke and was therefore much more involved in the build-up of the attacks – he could have had a goal or two of his own but his sharpness in front of goal was slightly lacking.
Sadio Mane – 7
Has been in good form of late and continued to show creativity in this match, however, his finishing and decision-making in the opposition’s area is still erratic as he spurned many a good opportunity to add to the score sheet, luckily against Brighton it didn’t matter.
Dominic Solanke – 7
Was a rather surprising starter but did manage to get his first Liverpool goal following some tremendous work from Salah – his effort can never be questioned but his quality amongst such a talented attack has been doubtful, he once again did his best to show the Anfield crowd that he can play his part.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Mathew Ryan – 6
Despite conceding four goals, the Australian didn’t perform too badly – he was successful during a number of one-on-ones and produced a couple of decent saves to prevent the scoreline from getting any worse.
Gaetan Bong – 5
Was forced to tuck in tight to his centre-back to send Salah out wide but this only allowed space for Alexander-Arnold to exploit – he didn’t do anything dreadfully wrong but only represented a barrier that Liverpool had to, and easily, surpass.
Lewis Dunk – 6
Has scored his fair share of own goals this season but couldn’t add to his tally at Anfield despite many slides and awkward touches around the six-yard box.
Shane Duffy – 6
Like his central partner, he blocked well but was easily surpassed by Liverpool’s fine passing and movement around the penalty area – he did manage to prevent a certain goal when he blocked with his body on the goal-line.
Ezequiel Schelotto – 6
Tried to get forward down the wing but was forced back by the energetic Robertson – he looked comfortable on the ball but was all too often only a shield to Brighton’s centre-backs.
Davy Propper – 5
Was completely dominated by Henderson in the midfield – it must be so difficult to stop Liverpool at source and prevent such quick-fire passing and movement but the Dutchman simply couldn’t cope with it.
Dale Stephens – 5
Was also run ragged in the midfield – he wasn’t afraid to tackle but looked quite slow when he was in possession, was forced to play quite deep and just soak up the pressure.
Anthony Knockaert – 6
Was not able to show his quality to the Anfield crowd – he was forced into simply putting a shift in for his side, something which cannot be easy and must bring about frustration when four goals are conceded.
Beram Kayal – 4
Was given the task of supporting the lone striker but too often he was a fair distance away from Locadia – had little influence on the match as he only touched the ball on 15 occasions, he was substituted in the second half.
Solomon March – 6
Was heavily involved in anything positive Brighton did – he worked hard and wasn’t afraid to drift inside and out to try and catch Liverpool’s midfield out, a fair showing from the Englishman.
Jurgen Locadia – 5
Was completely isolated apart from one or two instances when Brighton ventured forward on the counter – he was taken off in replace of Murray with 30 minutes still to be played.
