Liverpool 2-2 Brighton: player ratings, heroes, villains and man of the match as Reds throw away three points

Liverpool will rue throwing away a two-goal lead as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Brighton at Anfield.

The Reds raced ahead inside four minutes when Jordan Henderson whipped home a fine effort from outside the box.

It looked like it was going to be another rampant display from Jurgen Klopp’s men when Sadio Mane headed home in the 24th minute.

However, Brighton hit back four minutes before half-time when Enock Mwepu’s speculative effort flew over home keeper Alisson.

And the Seagulls completed their comeback through Leandro Trossard’s 65th-minute finish.

The heroes

- Leandro Trossard: the Brighton forward was superb throughout - especially in the second half. Liverpool struggled to nullify his clever movement and he displayed great skill and composure to equalise. So unlucky not to have put the Seagulls ahead when he strayed narrowly offside. Man of the match.

- Graham Potter: the Seagulls boss is rightfully getting lauded for the work he’s carrying out at the Amex and will get plaudits again. He made the correct changes needed to not only get his side back into the game but dominate Liverpool in the second half.

- Sadio Mane: the Reds forward has been in Mo Salah’s shadow this term. But Mane displayed superb composure to head home Liverpool’s second goal and his work-rate in the second half shouldn’t go unnoticed.

The villains

- Ibrahima Konate: Klopp stuck with the 22-year-old in defence over Joel Matip and Joe Gomez. However, Konate was well below par and continually got caught out of position. He left a massive hole in the defence for Trossard’s equaliser.

- Curtis Jones: the youngster offered little defensively throughout the clash and couldn’t have the same impact going forward that he is capable of. Given his attacking qualities, bright moments were sparse.

- Andy Robertson: the left-back offered scant attacking threat. Then for Trossard’s goal, Robertson strangely dropped deep and played several visiting players onside rather than keeping in line with Virgil van Dijk. Set-pieces were also below standard, with one late on being gobbled up by Brighton keeper Roberto Sanchez with ease.

Player ratings

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson 7, Alexander-Arnold 5, Konate 4, van Dijk 5, Robertson 4, Keita 7 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 19; 5), Henderson 6, Jones 5, Salah 6, Firmino 5 (Jota 78), Mane 7.

Brighton (3-5-2): Sanchez 6, Veltman 7, Duffy 6, Dunk 7, Cucurella 7, Bissouma 7 (Mac Allister 60; 6), Lallana 7 (Gross 77), Moder 6 (Lampety 66; 6), March 6, Trossard 8, Mwepu 7.

What’s next for Liverpool

The Reds are in Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield.

A win will see Klopp’s men secure their spot in the last 16 with two matches remaining.