Liverpool 2 Brighton 1: Salah crowns the comeback, Liverpool is at the top of the Premier League

Two goals in less than three minutes took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table. Never in doubt, right?

The hosts had a terrible first 45 minutes as Ferdi Kadioglu gave Brighton an early lead. Liverpool hardly reacted and then lost Ibrahima Konate to injury at half-time. But a cross shot from Cody Gakpo and a subsequent beautiful left-footed shot from Mohamed Salah secured three points for Arne Slot's team.

After Arsenal's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime and Manchester City's loss at Bournemouth, it was Liverpool who took the initiative in the race for the Premier League title.

Gregg Evans analyzes the key talking points…

How did Liverpool turn things around?

Liverpool came out successful in the second half but needed some Salah magic to complete the turnaround.

His stunning strike – so soon after Gakpo had equalized – sparked wild celebrations at Anfield and helped the Egyptian set another new record.

Salah has now played more games and scored more goals against Brighton than any other player in Liverpool history. He played 17 times and scored 10 goals (with six assists), and this was one of his best.

Salah gives Liverpool the lead (Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Slot had encouraged his players to keep the ball after a miserable first-half performance and the performance after the break was significantly better.

Liverpool pushed higher and pressed Brighton more efficiently, and when they had the ball they were direct and targeted.

Bart Verbruggen was forced into several saves but was unable to stop Gakpo and Salah.

Was the first half Liverpool's worst 45 minutes under slot?

Liverpool lost the ball 60 times in the first half, which was by far the worst half in football under the new head coach.

Brighton completely outplayed them with a crisp build-up and should have added more goals to their tally.

Kaoru Mitoma was the biggest threat as he charged towards Trent Alexander-Arnold with pace and purpose throughout and was instrumental in Ferdi Kadioglu's opening goal.

Kadioglu gives Brighton the lead in the 14th minute (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool were losing the battle in midfield and were constantly in danger as Brighton patiently moved the ball across the defensive line and then charged forward with precision. The press was completely off and this allowed Brighton to create gaps in the system while limiting the threat from the opposite direction.

Surprisingly, Liverpool had little retaliation apart from a threat from set pieces and a rare forward attack from Darwin Nunez, which was brilliantly saved by Verbruggen.

Liverpool are sweating on Konate's fitness

Ibrahima Konate was forced off at half-time with an arm injury in what could be a huge blow for Liverpool.

The centre-back, who has been an inspiration alongside Virgil van Dijk this season, appeared to land awkwardly after a challenge just before half-time.

Konate used his shirt as a makeshift noose as he walked through the tunnel, visibly uncomfortable. Joe Gomez replaced the Frenchman at centre-back ahead of Jarrel Quansah.

(Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images

With serious injuries to goalkeeper Alisson and striker Diogo Jota, Liverpool will now be sweating over the severity of Konate's setback.

Since replacing Quansah at half-time against Ipswich on the opening day of the season, he has started every Premier League game and delivered first-class performances each time to return to his best. The nine-game run is a personal best in a Liverpool shirt and shows how successful his time at the club has been so far.

What did Arne Slot say?

We bring you the Liverpool boss's thoughts following his post-match press conference.

What's next for Liverpool?

Tuesday, November 5th: Bayer Leverkusen (home), Champions League, 8:00 p.m. UK, 3:00 p.m. ET

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(Top photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)