Liverpool climbed to sixth in the Premier League standings as Hugo Ekitike’s double sealed a convincing 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, extending the Reds’ unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches (W3, D2).

Much of the pre-match focus centred on the return of Mohamed Salah, who began on the bench as Arne Slot’s side looked to build on their impressive 1-0 Champions League victory away to Inter Milan in midweek.

The hosts made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening minute. Just 46 seconds in, Ekitike met a brave header from Joe Gomez before rifling the ball past Bart Verbruggen to put Liverpool ahead.

Brighton responded positively to the early setback and went close to an equaliser when Yankuba Minteh lashed narrowly wide of the far post, while Diego Gomez was denied from close range by a sharp save from Alisson Becker.

Gomez was later forced off through injury, prompting Salah’s introduction in the 26th minute to a thunderous ovation. The Egyptian almost made an instant impact, playing a key role in a counter-attack that ended with Ekitike curling an effort just wide.

Both sides continued to create openings as the first half wore on, with Gomez seeing a dangerous strike blocked by Ibrahima Konate before the break.

Brighton threatened again early in the second half, but Gomez squandered a golden chance at the back post from only a few yards out — a miss that soon proved costly.

On the hour mark, Liverpool doubled their advantage. Salah delivered an inviting inswinging corner, and Ekitike rose unmarked to head home his seventh league goal of the campaign.

The visitors showed resilience despite the two-goal deficit, with substitute Kaoru Mitoma dragging a shot wide from a promising position. However, that was as close as Brighton came to a comeback, with a late chance for Ferdi Kadioglu also going begging before Salah missed an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt.

Liverpool comfortably saw out the closing stages, strengthening their impressive home record against Brighton, which now stands at just one defeat in their last 12 meetings at Anfield (W8, D3).