Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: Cody Gakpo shows promise, but disastrous subs kill the game

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Liverpool lost 2-1 to Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup today, knocking the holders out of the competition.

After their embarrassing 3-0 loss to the Seagulls just a few weeks ago, the Reds returned to the Amex Stadium to defend their domestic trophy.

However, despite moments of promise from the likes of Harvey Elliott and new signing Cody Gakpo, the Merseyside outfit were poor in the final third.

Following a lack of clinical play, Jurgen Klopp’s substitutions seemingly made the side look worse off. A number of reckless challenges finally caught up with the XI, and Liverpool were punished in the 92^nd minute.

Liverpool player ratings

Alisson Becker – 6

Really had no chance with Brighton’s deflected equaliser, nor Karou Mitoma’s late winner.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5

Started off relatively strong. Made a great clearance off the line from Evan Ferguson, but struggled to cope with Mitoma in the second half. Withdrawn for James Milner, who didn’t improve the right-back position.

Joe Gomez – 6

Looked quicker against the Seagulls’ runners today. Made good decisions when stepping up to press the ball.

Ibrahima Konate – 7

Looked dominant in physical challenges and made a vital block to deny Ferguson. However, Brighton called for a red card after he flattened Alexis Mac Allister.

Andy Robertson – 5

Made a few attacking runs in the first-half but dropped off after. Sloppy towards the end of the game.

Stefan Bajcetic – 7

Looked stronger and more confident as the game went on. Made key tackles around the edge of Liverpool’s box to deny Brighton. Withdrawn for Fabinho, who was very poor.

Naby Keita – 6

Played an important part in Elliott’s goal, but his distribution didn’t impress all too much.

Thiago Alcantara – 6

Bit of a mixed bag for Thiago today. He won the ball back on occasions to set the Reds going forward. However, he also made sloppy passes.

Mohamed Salah – 6

Salah missed Liverpool’s best chance of the game, when he dragged his shot wide from Elliott’s beautifully weighted pass. Assisted the goal to slightly make up for it.

Cody Gakpo – 7

Found success dribbling from deep in the middle. His best performance in a Liverpool shirt. Showing signs of why he’s been labelled as a ‘special’ player.

Harvey Elliott – 7

Took his goal very well and set Salah up with a great chance. Occasionally lost the ball a little too easily but one of Klopp’s better players today.

Subs – Poor

To put it bluntly, Liverpool looked worse off when substitutions were made.

Fabinho especially looked like a liability after coming on.