Liverpool are today basking in the glow of returning to the top of the Premier League table.
With their title rivals facing each other later on Sunday, nothing but a win would do for them against a Brighton side who have caused them trouble in the past.
Jurgen Klopp had actually never gotten the better of his prospective successor, Roberto De Zerbi. In four previous meetings between the managers, Liverpool had drawn two and lost two.
Even before De Zerbi’s arrival, the Seagulls have always been difficult opponents for Klopp. Remarkably, they were unbeaten in their previous three visits to Anfield. Something had to change on Easter Sunday.
Thankfully, it did. It wasn’t always nerve-free, but Liverpool came through the game with a 2-1 win. With Manchester City playing out a goalless draw against Arsenal, it turned out to be a good day for the Reds. Ultimately, there was one man above all they had to thank for it.
Liverpool turn to magical Mac Allister
Mohamed Salah may have netted the winning strike after peppering Bart Verbruggen’s goal with shots all game, but he wasn’t the hero for Liverpool.
Instead, that honour clearly went to Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine was fully deserving of the praise that came his way after the game.
Jordan Henderson was one impressed onlooker, as was Mac Allister’s old boss, De Zerbi.
And so too was BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks. Having included the 25-year-old in his Team of the Week, Crooks raved about Mac Allister’s game-winning assist for Salah.
“The ball by Mac Allister for Mohamed Salah to score Liverpool’s winner in the 2-1 victory against Brighton was nothing short of world class,” says the pundit.
“The Argentine midfielder did something similar for Darwin Nunez to snatch a last-gasp win against Nottingham Forest earlier in the season so there is no doubt about his quality. It is never easy playing against your old team-mates but Mac Allister did not let the occasion get to him and produced some sparkling football.”
How good has Mac Allister been
After having a solid but slightly unspectacular start to his Liverpool career, Mac Allister is now really hitting his straps.
In truth, the £35m signing was previously being a little held back by playing as the Reds’ defensive midfielder. But since Wataru Endo has established himself in the team, Mac Allister’s true potential has been unlocked.
Klopp described the on-pitch understanding between Endo and the Argentine as like ‘a love movie’ after yesterday’s game. There’s no question that they’re becoming a brilliant pair.
In terms of Mac Allister, he now has nine goal contributions in his past 10 games for Liverpool. With four goals and five assists, he’s starting to become hugely influential. What a player, world class in every sense of the word.
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