LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Caoimhin Kelleher – 7. The Irishman made good saves from Gross and Trossard late on after spending much of the match with nothing to do. He showed good instincts coming off his line when the back four were caught flat-footed. AP

Mohamed Salah 6, Thiago Alcantara 4; Adam Webster 8, Steven Alzate 7: Liverpool v Brighton player ratings



Liverpool's Premier League title defence experienced another setback on Wednesday after the champions fell to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Steven Alzate was credited with bundling in the winner in the 56th minute and Liverpool could not respond as they failed to score for the third successive home league game.

With leaders Manchester City beating Burnley earlier on Wednesday, fourth-placed Liverpool are now seven points behind Pep Guardiola's side having played one game more.

Brighton followed up their weekend home win over Tottenham Hotspur with another disciplined display and a toothless Liverpool could have few complaints.

Alzate was in the right place at the right time as a towering header by Dan Burn was cleared straight at him and he directed it past Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

While Liverpool pressed in a desperate bid to break down Brighton's blue defensive wall, they were occasionally exposed at the other end with Leandro Trossard and Yves Bissouma both going close to doubling Brighton's advantage.

Reflecting on the performances at Anfield, Tony Evans has provided his player ratings in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.