Origi before Jones: The agonizing moments that shaped Liverpool’s loss to Brighton

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Steven Alzate of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates after scoring their side's first goal past Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 03, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Steven Alzate of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates after scoring their side's first goal past Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 03, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Mo’s early miss

Mohamed Salah was fresh off an impressive double when West Ham hosted Liverpool at the London Stadium. However, it wasn’t to be for the Egyptian and we saw this from the very beginning.

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Jordan Henderson, whose been playing from centre-back recently, played his trademark cross-field ball which managed to split Brighton’s defence. Mo was quick to anticipate Hendo’s intentions and tracked the flight of the ball to good measure.

His first touch was perfect as well as it ensured that he took it away from Brighton’s Adam Webster, without getting too close to goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Despite setting it up for himself perfectly, Mo made a mess of the finish.

Instead of slotting it into the back of the net with composure, he fluffed his lines and hit the ball well over the crossbar.

You might think that this is harsh on Mo, but given the standards he has set for himself, he really should have given Liverpool the lead in the first three minutes.

To make matters worse, Salah’s chance was probably Liverpool’s only clear chance all-game.