Two goals from Hugo Ekitike — including the fastest of the Premier League season — powered Liverpool Football Club to a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club at Anfield Stadium on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The win ended Liverpool’s run of three straight Premier League matches without a victory, and it came with a massive emotional boost: Mohamed Salah returned from injury to assist the second goal, in what may be his final appearance for the club for months. The final whistle blew at 90'+10', sealing a result that lifted Liverpool to 26 points, just behind Chelsea in the top four, while Brighton slipped further into mid-table mediocrity.
A Night of Redemption at Anfield
It was the kind of performance Liverpool fans had been waiting for. After draws against Manchester United and Newcastle, the pressure was mounting on Arne Slot, the Dutch manager whose tactical adjustments had drawn mixed reviews. But on this night, the answers came in the form of a 22-year-old French striker who’s been quietly turning heads since his January move from Reims. Ekitike’s first goal, at the 1' mark, was a textbook example of predatory finishing. Joe Gomez rose to meet a corner, nodded it down perfectly into the six-yard box, and Ekitike didn’t hesitate — right foot, low, hard, past Brighton keeper Jason Steele. ESPN called it the fastest goal of the season. The crowd didn’t just roar — they exploded.Salah’s Return — and Maybe a Farewell?
Then came the moment everyone was watching. Mohamed Salah, who hadn’t played since November 22 after a hamstring strain, stepped onto the pitch in the 60th minute. He looked sharp. He looked hungry. And in the 64th minute, he delivered. A perfectly weighted corner from the right flank, curled with that signature precision, found Ekitike at the far post. The striker didn’t even need to jump — he just tapped it in. The assist was Salah’s first since returning, and the reaction from the Kop was deafening. But here’s the twist: NBC Sports’ commentator Rebecca Lo, despite mispronouncing his name as "Echert" and "Ugo Eatique," dropped a bombshell: "It will be his last game for a little while in the Liverpool shirt at least." That line sent shockwaves through social media. Was this a hint at a winter transfer? A planned rest ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations? Or just a commentary error? Liverpool’s medical staff declined to comment, and Salah himself offered no clarification post-match. But with Egypt’s national team set to enter the AFCON in January, and with Salah’s workload this season already at 38 appearances, the timing is suspicious. If he’s sidelined for six to eight weeks, it could reshape Liverpool’s entire campaign.Brighton’s Struggles Continue
For Brighton & Hove Albion, it was another frustrating night. Despite pre-match optimism from head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who said James Milner, Kaoru Mitoma, Yashin Ayari, and Tommy Watson "could return," none of them started. And when they did come on — Mitoma at 78’, Milner at 83’ — it was too little, too late. Brighton had won just two of their last 11 league games, and now they’ve gone three without a win. Their attack, once so fluid, looked disjointed. Their midfield, usually so disciplined, was overrun by Liverpool’s pressing trio. And their defense? Ekitike made them look like amateurs.The Bigger Picture: Liverpool’s Resurgence
Before this match, Liverpool sat eighth in the Premier League table — a far cry from their title-chasing form of last season. Now, with eight wins from 16 games, they’re breathing down the necks of Chelsea and Aston Villa. The goal difference is still a concern (+2), but the spirit has returned. Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation finally clicked. The fullbacks, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, were involved in every attack. And the midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, controlled the tempo. The win also marks a psychological turning point. After losing to Manchester City and drawing with Everton, the narrative was that Liverpool had lost their edge. But Ekitike’s goals, Salah’s return, and the electric atmosphere at Anfield proved otherwise. This wasn’t just three points. It was a statement.What’s Next?
Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford on December 22 — a fixture that could define their top-four hopes. If Salah is out, the burden falls even heavier on Ekitike, who’s now scored six goals in his last eight appearances. Brighton, meanwhile, host West Ham on December 21, needing a win to avoid slipping into the relegation zone. Their lack of depth — especially in attack — is becoming alarming. Without a consistent goalscorer, they’ll struggle to climb.Behind the Numbers
- Ekitike’s first goal: 1' — fastest of the 2025-26 Premier League season - Salah’s return: 60th minute, first appearance since November 22 - Liverpool’s record: 8W-2D-6L, 26 points (16 games) - Brighton’s record: 6W-5D-5L, 23 points (16 games) - Anfield attendance: 53,341 — the highest of the season for Liverpool - Corner kick assists: Salah has now provided 7 this season, tied for most in the leagueThe YouTube highlight video from Liverpool FC’s official channel, uploaded at 0:02:00 UTC on December 13, shows the goals in crisp detail — and the celebration after the second goal, where Ekitike points to the sky, then to Salah. It’s a moment that says more than any stat could.
Frequently Asked Questions
How crucial was Hugo Ekitike’s performance to Liverpool’s win?
Ekitike was the undisputed hero. His two goals accounted for all of Liverpool’s points, and both came in under 65 seconds of actual playtime — the first in the 1st minute, the second in the 64th. He’s now Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in 14 appearances. His movement, pace, and finishing have transformed Liverpool’s attack from stagnant to lethal. Without him, this win wouldn’t have happened.
Why is Mohamed Salah’s potential absence such a big deal?
Salah has been Liverpool’s most consistent attacker for the past six seasons, scoring 198 goals and providing 87 assists since 2017. His absence — whether due to AFCON, injury, or transfer — would leave a massive void. Liverpool have no proven backup striker with his combination of speed, vision, and clutch finishing. If he’s out until February, their title hopes could collapse.
What does this result mean for Liverpool’s top-four chances?
It keeps them alive. With 26 points, they’re just two behind Chelsea and three behind Aston Villa. But with six games left before the January transfer window, every point matters. A win against Manchester United could push them into the top four. A loss, and they risk falling behind Arsenal and Manchester City — who are now 31 and 33 points respectively — for good.
Why didn’t Brighton’s key players start?
Coach Fabian Hurzeler hinted they were "possible" returns, but not certain. In the end, he opted for a more defensive setup, likely fearing Liverpool’s pace. Milner, Mitoma, Ayari, and Watson were all subbed on later — but too late to change the game. It’s a sign Brighton are still struggling with squad depth and decision-making under pressure.
Is Arne Slot finally getting the results he deserves?
Yes — and it’s about time. Slot’s Liverpool have played some of the best football in the league this season, but results were inconsistent. This win was the first under his leadership where the team looked both disciplined and dangerous. The players are starting to believe in his system. If Ekitike and Salah stay fit, Liverpool could go on a serious run.
What’s the significance of the Anfield crowd’s reaction?
The 53,341 fans were electric — the highest attendance of the season. After months of quiet, disappointed crowds, the noise returned. That’s not just about the result — it’s about belief. When Salah returned, the entire stadium erupted as if he’d just won the Ballon d’Or. That kind of energy can carry a team through tough spells. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes Anfield one of the toughest places to play in Europe.
