Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool stay ahead in the Premier League title race with a win at Brighton.

Jurgen Klopp’s side dominate proceedings in Saturday’s trip to the South Coast and took the lead early in the second half when Salah was fouled in the penalty area.

The Egyptian converted from the spot to give the Reds a seven-point advantage over title rivals Manchester City and Tottenham, who play in the coming days.

Here were the key talking points from the Amex Stadium:

Fabinho offers flexibility

 

With Liverpool’s centre-backs increasingly filling the Melwood treatment room, a shift in personnel was required to fill the gap and still provide defensive solidity.

Step forward Fabinho, who looked confident deputising alongside Virgil van Dijk and dealt with the aerial threats from the home team comfortably throughout.

Positionally, he was very assured and matched Van Dijk in terms of distribution and swagger on what was only his 14th appearance since arriving at Anfield.

Having a player with the Brazilian’s level of confidence and flexibility in the squad is important if Liverpool’s title challenge is to be sustained for the duration.

Fabinho’s defensive audition may see him occupying the position more regularly.

Bench much share the Salah burden

 

Mohamed Salah is becoming as synonymous with Brighton as the seaside itself.

His four Premier League outing against the Seagulls have culminated in three goals and two assists, making them one of the Egyptian’s favourite opponents.

The instinctive and sharp movements earned a crucial penalty for Salah’s 14th league goal, sharing top spot with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane.

Continuing that current flow will determine how the Reds finish this season. Although his form is exceptional, Salah cannot be expected to do it alone.

Liverpool need to seek meaningful contributions from the likes of Daniel Sturridge, particularly in tight games such as this against opponents favouring damage limitation.

More drive needed in Reds’ midfield

 

With Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum as the holding midfield pair, Liverpool may make themselves a solid base and deter the risk of conceding.

At the Amex Stadium, however, the pair failed to provide any drive or attacking support that is needed facing an organised opponent such as this Brighton side.

Klopp introduced James Milner and Naby Keita in the final 20 minutes to shore things up, but Liverpool need to be dynamic from the outset rather than reactive.

Considering the possession they enjoyed in this game, far better opportunities should have been fashioned and the result definitely more comfortable.

Klopp should reconsider transfer stance

 

The January transfer window is in full flow but Liverpool have played their part but so far only via the exit door.

Bit-part figures Nathaniel Clyne and Dominic Solanke have been granted moves to Bournemouth while rumours abound that Divock Origi is soon set to follow.

But continuing the cull may affect Liverpool’s freshness in the season run-in.

For a team chasing the title, and unable to let their levels drop with Manchester City and Tottenham on their heels, the spaces being left in the squad will require filling.

The attacking department is arguably the most vulnerable where quality cover for Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino remains relatively thin.

History suggests that Klopp will stick with what he has rather than adding to his deck mid-season, even in light of Philippe Coutinho’s sale to Barcelona.

Liverpool’s current league position may however prove too important an opportunity to miss and a player who can provide a handful of goals may be the ace required.