Prva liga: Liverpool protiv Brightona

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure following a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday. The result deepens the crisis at Old Trafford, leaving the club's position precarious as the new season progresses. In a separate match at Anfield, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, marking the first Premier League win for manager Andoni Iraola at the ground. The defeat for Manchester United stands in stark contrast to the performance of their rivals in the north-west. While Carrick’s side fell apart against Bournemouth, Liverpool capitalized on the opportunity to climb the table. The Reds defeated Brighton to move into fourth place, sitting just one point behind the third-placed Seagulls. This result inflicted Brighton’s second league loss of the season, ending a remarkable run of form for the visitors. At Anfield, Liverpool struck twice in quick succession during the first half to secure the comfortable win. The opening goal arrived in the 17th minute. Ronald Araujo made a determined run and delivered a cross into the Brighton penalty area. Florian Wirtz met the ball with a powerful strike that hit a heavy deflection off Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross before finding the bottom corner. The goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Gross. Just four minutes later, in the 21st minute, Alexander Isak extended Liverpool’s lead. Manager Andoni Iraola selected Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo for the wide positions, a choice that paid dividends. Barcola received a long pass from goalkeeper Alisson Becker and sprinted forward. He cut a cross back to Isak, who finished clinically from close range. Isak has now scored six goals in seven league games this season, including three in his last four matches. The Swedish striker’s improved form comes after a turbulent debut season following his transfer from Newcastle United. The move was described as acrimonious, and Isak signed for a fee reported at £125 million, equivalent to $167 million. His current output suggests he is beginning to justify that substantial investment. For Iraola, the victory represents a personal milestone. The Spanish manager joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in the close season. Prior to this match, he had failed to win his first three league games at Anfield, although he had previously secured victories in Champions League and League Cup fixtures at the venue. This win marks Liverpool’s fourth consecutive victory in all competitions. The streak began after a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City. Before this match, Liverpool had gone winless in their previous five home league encounters, a span dating back to last season that included four draws and one loss. The team displayed composure throughout, effectively halting Brighton’s recent offensive surge. Brighton arrived at Anfield as the league’s leading scorers, having found the net 15 times in their previous four wins, which included clean sheets. However, they lacked defensive resilience and attacking verve against a disciplined Liverpool side. Brighton did create an early chance to take the lead. A pass from Diego Gomez caught Virgil van Dijk out of position, allowing Pascal Gross to deliver a cross to Yasin Ayari. Ayari wasted the opportunity by firing the ball over the bar with the goal open. Liverpool continued to press after the break, though they lost Wirtz to injury in the second half. They maintained control of the game and defended their lead until the final whistle. The atmosphere at Anfield was charged with relief and joy, particularly among fans watching updates from the Manchester United match. Cheers erupted from the Kop when it became clear that United were trailing Bournemouth. The weather outside the stadium was stormy, with rain lashing down, yet conditions inside remained manageable enough for the match to proceed. Looking ahead, Liverpool face a demanding schedule. They host Chelsea in the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday. Following that, they prepare for a crucial encounter against second-placed Arsenal at Anfield on November 1. The results keep Liverpool within striking distance of the top of the table, currently six points behind leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, the situation at Manchester United grows more tense as questions intensify regarding Carrick’s future in charge. The 3-0 loss to Bournemouth adds to the pressure on a squad struggling to find consistency.