Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has praised Liverpool's energetic and lively style, which many consider to be an audition to succeed Jurgen Klopp, and even added the Reds' trademarks. became a victim of the consequences.
That intro could have been written after Danny Welbeck scored the first goal within 90 seconds. There was a sense of inevitability for Liverpool this season. Stepping back is almost part of the system. It feels weird these days when they win without being forced.
Liverpool come from behind to win again
In October, it was said that such a victory was not sustainable. That somehow seems to be the case going into April, embodying the never-say-die attitude this team has always had under manager Klopp, and which no one could think of after the German player's decision to quit. It has risen to a level never seen before.
The decision saved a near-deathly disastrous January and led to plenty of rumors about who would replace Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
The club's former midfielder, Xabi Alonso, whose name was on everyone's radar after his incredible form with Bayer Leverkusen this season, will be absent from Brighton's trip to face Liverpool on Sunday. Subsequently, the news of his call-up to remain with the German team was timely.
Seagulls head coach De Zerbi was always in the frame for Alonso, even when he was the front-runner, but he has no plans to replace Klopp following the Spaniard's decision to join Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season. Much more will be said.
Read more: 5 reasons why Liverpool are glad they avoided Xabi Alonso's bullet…
Although his form has been patchy this season, De Zerbi's work at Brighton has been excellent so far. Leading the club to Europe for the first time and surpassing everything that Graham Potter achieved are his top two achievements, and his style of play has earned the Italian the highest praise from fans, experts and colleagues. I decided to accept it.
Brighton's current style is not entirely reminiscent of Klopp's Liverpool, but there are similarities and De Zerbi has earned the right to be linked with the Anfield job.
His timely move to Merseyside is a good opportunity to show Liverpool supporters what he is capable of, as he is unbeaten against Klopp and has won four times, including a 3-0 Premier League win at the Amex last season. He won two of the matches.
As mentioned earlier, the audition got off to a great start when Welbeck made good use of the defensive confusion and smashed the ball into the top corner within 90 seconds.
Of course, as expected, Liverpool were relentlessly knocking on the door, creating plenty of chances, mainly through former Brighton favorite Alexis Mac Allister, who was the best player on the pitch.
Luis Diaz was the man who showed incredible anticipation, speed and timing to volley the ball into the top corner to force the Reds into an equaliser.
The first 45 minutes at Anfield were a frenzy, with De Zerbi clearly aware of Klopp's intentions and Simon Adingra trying to target young right-back Conor Bradley at every sniff. It was an intense and enthusiastic first 45 minutes. It was a must-see, and I'm sure the Reds fans in attendance will appreciate it, too.
What they failed to appreciate was Mohamed Salah's poor finishing. That's what we're used to seeing. He often misses chance after chance before scoring the decisive goal that saves the day, and Sunday's matchup was no exception. In the end, 12 shots, a personal Premier League record, were the winners.
Mac Allister found the ball brilliantly and slotted it into the bottom corner, securing a 26th (!) point from behind Liverpool at 23/24, which is frankly insane.
If De Zerbi and Klopp have one thing in common, it's that they are able to get the best out of Mac Allister. The former helped him become a regular starter for world champion Argentina and earn him a move to the Reds. It took him a while to get up and running as he was played out of position, but Wataru Endo's rise in defensive midfield has helped unlock Mac Allister, and Sunday's performance was a great addition to his performance under Klopp. It may have been the best of all.
It was another defeat for Brighton, who currently sit ninth in the Premier League, 14 points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, and could decide on their place in the Champions League. If this happens, Albion could qualify for the Europa League for a second successive season, just six points behind sixth-placed Manchester United.
If De Zerbi wants to win the Liverpool job over reported top candidate Ruben Amorim, he certainly needs to get the team back on track and give himself a fighting chance. It is important to finish the campaign strong. But results aside, there was plenty of evidence of the Italian's managerial qualities and his similarities to Klopp.
Manager talk aside, another hard-fought victory has lifted Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, ahead of Arsenal, who are likely to play this weekend. I'm not too sure.
Read more: De Zerbi: 'I can't stay any longer' Brighton contract opens door to Liverpool