Liverpool news: Bitter Brighton boss digs out Andoni Iraola as Kop finds new hero

Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield to climb into the top four, with Ronald Araujo impressing on loan from Barcelona.

Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, with Alexander Isak scoring his sixth Premier League goal of the season and Florian Wirtz's deflected strike credited as an own goal to Pascal Gross. The win ended Andoni Iraola's run without a league victory at Anfield since taking charge, and moved Liverpool into the top four following Chelsea's loss to Tottenham.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was critical of the match outcome, believing his side created the better chances and were the only team truly trying to win. He praised his players' efforts but lamented their lack of efficiency in front of goal and defensive mistakes that led to Liverpool's goals.

Liverpool fans were particularly impressed by Ronald Araujo's defensive display on loan from Barcelona. The centre-back threw himself in front of a point-blank shot and made several crucial blocks, earning jubilant responses from the Anfield crowd despite the risks involved. Liverpool retain an option to purchase Araujo for approximately £47m at the end of the season.