Liverpool reduced the deficit once again to three points at the top of the Premier League as they overtook Brighton with a 2–0 win at The Amex.
A brave first-half header from Luis Diaz was followed by a penalty in the second to Mohamed Salah as Liverpool took all three points and extended their unbeaten league run to eight matches.
It was the home side that started the game on top and could have taken an early lead when Neil Maupay tried narrowly from distance. Moments later Leandro Trossard tested Alisson when Brighton won the ball back near the half line, producing some good build-up play before the Belgian's curling effort was easily saved.
Liverpool evolved in the game and started looking more dangerous just before the 20-minute mark. Sadio Mane hit the side netting with a Salah cross, before Liverpool took the lead.
Joel Matip sent a delightful through-ball from behind and Diaz ran past Robert Sanchez and went into the empty net. VAR checked for a red card after the Colombian had scored a critical blow from Sanchez seconds after scoring, but it was not considered a serious foul.
From that moment on, Liverpool were comfortable with the bulk of the game and never looked like giving up their lead. Andy Robertson dashed an effort and Mane turned down a few chances before half-time as Liverpool went ahead at the break.
The second half saw much of the same, with Brighton having an early chance to level, before their game dropped in intensity and Liverpool settled in. Maupay gave two defenders the right to catch and hold Trossard on the edge of the box, but the Belgian sabotaged an attempt.
As the game reached the hour mark, Liverpool's chances of scoring again looked to be in sight. Salah reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and tried to try into the far corner. His shot swung over and over the crossbar, before Mane fired on the rebound.
A few minutes later, the away side was awarded a penalty after Yves Bisouma was declared to have blocked Nabi Keita's attempt with his hand. Salah stepped up and dropped a spot-kick down the middle as Sanchez threw himself to his left.
The rest of the game was comfortable for Liverpool, who placed the ball well and exhausted Brighton. Jordan Henderson watched as the game reached its climax before Sanchez saw a smart save from Diaz.
In stoppage time, Brighton nearly pulled back once Danny Welbeck forced Alisson for a good response from inside the box, but Siegel struggles to find the goal at home.
Liverpool's win means they close the gap over league leaders Manchester City with a game in hand, but for Brighton, they have now won five and are 13th on the table.