46 seconds. Salah back. Anfield erupts

Fastest Goal, Loudest Statement

Liverpool barely had time to breathe before they were ahead. Just 46 seconds into the game, Hugo Ekitike struck the fastest Premier League goal of the season to set the tone for a 2–0 win over Brighton at Anfield.

The spotlight was meant to be on Mohamed Salah’s dramatic return after his explosive midweek comments, but Ekitike wasted no time in stealing it.

Salah Returns Earlier Than Planned

Salah was expected to wait until the second half for his chance to respond after being dropped for the Champions League clash. Instead, Joe Gomez’s first-half injury forced Arne Slot’s hand.

Thrown into the action earlier than planned, Salah immediately looked sharp. His combination play with Alexis Mac Allister lifted the crowd, and the Kop quickly reminded everyone how quickly forgiveness arrives when quality returns.

Ekitike Takes Control

Liverpool’s opening goal was ruthless. A risky Brighton clearance was headed down into Ekitike’s path and the French striker made no mistake, taking a touch before smashing a rising shot into the roof of the net.

His second came after the break, once again arriving in the right place after sustained pressure. By then, chants for Ekitike had briefly replaced those for Salah — before Anfield found room for both.

System Tests Salah, But Commitment Shows

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 does not naturally suit Salah, demanding extra defensive work. Yet when Brighton threatened on the break, Salah tracked back alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, offering a glimpse of renewed commitment after a turbulent week.

His shot early in the second half forced Bart Verbruggen into action and led directly to the corner from which Ekitike doubled the lead.

Brighton Threat, Liverpool Control

Brighton had moments. Diego Gómez hit the post, Brajan Gruda dragged wide and the visitors grew bolder in the second half.

Still, Liverpool looked more balanced than in recent weeks, helped by the growing chemistry between Florian Wirtz and Mac Allister in midfield.

More Than a Circus

Amid the Salah storyline, it was easy to miss the bigger picture. This was Liverpool’s third win in five unbeaten matches and another step forward under Slot.

Ekitike’s emergence offers hope, but the lasting image was Salah applauding all four sides of Anfield, lingering in front of the Kop.

For now, it felt more like “see you soon” than goodbye.