DE FUTURE Trossard treble delivers gift
ROBERTO DE ZERBI insisted in the build-up it was a gift visiting Anfield for his first game in charge – he just didn’t expect Liverpool to be dishing them out.
And it was Leonardo Trossard who enjoyed the biggest gift of all, taking away the match ball after a brilliant hat-trick – only the third visiting player to achieve the feat in the Premier League era.
Liverpool’s birthday boy Roberto Firmino, who is 31 today, appeared to have hogged the headlines scoring a double as Jurgen Klopp’s side came back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.
But this season a vulnerable defence has left them attempting to catch up in the Premier League title race.
This was the first in a relentless October schedule of nine games which will surely make or break their season. Next up are Rangers on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Klopp said: “There is a story of how we came back into the game and there is the story of how we threw it away. Did we deserve to win? I’m not sure. We are under pressure, we can’t ignore that.”
The coolest man amid the frenzy was Brighton’s understated Belgian international Trossard.
He struck twice in the opening 18 minutes only for Firmino to hit back at the double.
An own goal from Adam Webster appeared to have made it a gut-churning entrance to English football for De Zerbi.
But with seven minutes remaining Trossard saved his best for last, spearing a low cross from substitute Kaoru Mitoma into the roof of the net despite an acrobatic leap from Alisson.
De Zerbi said: “When he was with his international side I sent him a message to try and increase his number of goals. He has played a great game – but I believe he can do even better.
“Graham Potter has left me a good team and I didn’t want to damage anything. How do I feel after that? I am tired.”
It had begun so well for De Zerbi with the visitors taking a fourth-minute lead.
Liverpool were architects of their early downfall, Jordan Henderson failing to hack away a headed clearance from Trent Alexander-Arnold which, after a flurry of passing, climaxed with a Danny Welbeck flick to Trossard who buried a low effort beyond Alisson. The Seagulls sensed a
vulnerability down Liverpool’s right and after 18 minutes they were 2-0 up.
Welbeck went racing down that flank and his cross was diverted into Trossard’s path by the quick-thinking Solly March.
Presented with a carbon copy of his earlier chance Trossard again displayed an icecool temperament to leave Alisson grasping thin air.
Brighton were in dreamland while Klopp quickly summoned a shell-shocked Virgil Van Dijk towards the technical area to belt out some instructions to the Dutchman.
A contentious VAR decision paved the way for a possible comeback as Henderson lobbed the ball forward and Mo Salah’s lay off to the on-running Firmino came with him level with a Brighton defender.
Firmino slammed the ball past Robert Sanchez only for his celebrations to be cut short by an assistant referee’s flag.
They were back on following an agonising wait with the goal given and the Reds were back in the game.
Klopp replaced Fabio Carvalho for Luis Diaz at the break hoping for some fireworks from the Colombian.
He didn’t have long to wait.
Nine minutes after coming on he received a short pass from Thiago and weaved his way to the edge of the area before setting up Firmino lurking on the penalty spot.
A quick sidestep away from his defender and smart finish levelled things up.
Liverpool found themselves in the lead when the ball spun over the line off the unfortunate Webster under pressure from Firmino – only for Trossard to ensure there was a late twist.
Welcome to English football, Roberto.