Have Liverpool Proved They are Mature Enough to Win the League?

Liverpool passed a test of their title credentials on Saturday with a pivotal away win against Brighton at the Amex Stadium and a much needed return to winning ways, that saw Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 7 points, at least until Manchester City play Wolves on Monday.

The winning goal came courtesy of a Mo Salah penalty, although a tweet on a Brighton fans page suggests a touch of sour grapes and their moaning and groaning during the game seemed to suggest that they feel the referees are against them;

Jürgen Klopp praised Fabinho for his performance as stand-in at center back as a result of an injury crisis, remarking on his versatility, how well he had done and his defending brain. Fabinho also produced an important block from a Pascal Gross shot that helped secure the win. Fabinho's defensive qualities may mean that Liverpool will cope until they can get some of their injured center backs players back on the field of play. One commentator stated that Fabinho “arguably looked a calmer presence than Dejan Lovren.” Indeed, some Liverpool fans are of the opinion that Fabinho was the MOTM and is a better defender than one of the self-proclaimed best defenders in the world, Dejan Lovren;

Fabinho's performance came after his admission that it has taken him time to adjust to the physical intensity of the English game. In England "you always have one or two opponents on your back. In France, I was able to turn, your reaction time has to be very quick. And the physical impact hurts."

There were concerns about the fitness of Alexander-Arnold after he stood on the ball during the warm up, but he was able to play after treatment. He should be fit to play in the next match, which is just as well after Nathaniel Clyne's loan move to Bournemouth. If not, we may see James Milner deputizing at right back again.

Klopp deployed his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, utilizing the attacking quartet of Shaqiri, Firmino, Mane and Salah. He clearly expected another cautious and defensive approach from Brighton, with the onus being on Liverpool to break their opponents down and he described Liverpool's performance at Brighton as mature and patient, against a well organised side, that close down the the space so well. It seems Liverpool have learnt how to grind-out results and win a "proper football game", whereas in seasons past they were inclined to either drop points, or fail to see the match out. The Liverpool squad are said to be "buzzing" following the win.

Brighton's parked the bus and sat deep. Their defensive outlook played into Liverpool's hands. What Liverpool's defensive did have to deal with, they dealt with well and despite a late rally from the home side, Liverpool redistricted Brighton to just 8 touches in the penalty area;

The Liverpool players match ratings from various media outlets are as follows, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk and Salah (despite his late miss) being awarded the top ratings;

Van Dijk was hailed as “a great, assertive figure to have in cagey games such as these,” Salah “a constant menace to Brighton’s defence and is worth his weight in gold,” but Xherdan Shaqiri was a quiet and needed to do more. I'm sure Klopp won't allow him to lapse back into the type of performances, or lack of them, that Shaqiri produced for Stoke and he has been something of a revelation for Liverpool up till now. Andy Robertson produced another good performance and he has been a consistent presence this season. Having been selected ahead of Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson continues to divide opinion and his pairing with Gini Wijnaldum didn't appear to work well, although perhaps Brighton's midfield deserve some credit for that.

Van Dijk has now played a part in 21 clean sheets in 37 games. He marshaled the defensive well and made some Alan Hansen like forays into midfield. During a Q&A session on Twitter, Mats Hummels was asked whether he though Van Dijk was the best defender in the world at the moment;

Liverpool now face a much less hectic schedule and a break in the Dubai sun. Their next fixture is at home to Crystal Palace on the 19th, followed by Leicester 30th (H), West Ham 4th Feb(A) and Bournemouth on 9th Feb(H), before the first leg of the last 16 in the Champion's League against Bayern Munich on 19th February.

The current Premier League standings are as follows, with Liverpool now having a 9 point gap over third place Tottenham, after their 0-1 defeat by Manchester United;