Andoni Iraola believes Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton showed the importance of starting games on the front foot, after his side recorded a fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

Liverpool had been forced to recover from difficult starts in recent matches, including their midweek victory over Villarreal. At Anfield, however, they established a two-goal advantage in the first half and ultimately held on for a valuable three points against opponents who had arrived in strong form.

Pascal Groß’s own goal, following Florian Wirtz’s effort, gave Liverpool the lead before Alexander Isak finished Bradley Barcola’s delivery to double the advantage. The result moved Liverpool up to fourth in the Premier League table.

“I think today the key was how we started, we needed a stronger start, be aggressive, recover the ball, win our duels, be dangerous in transitions.

“It has been a different game from the last ones, where we’ve conceded first and after you need a comeback. Today, I think we’ve started better and the game has gone differently.”

The difference was evident in Liverpool’s early intensity. They pressed Brighton high, looked to recover possession in dangerous areas and attacked quickly when opportunities arose. Barcola’s work before Isak’s goal was a particularly clear example of that approach paying off.

Alexander Isak continued his recent scoring run, finding the net for the third consecutive Premier League appearance. His finish was the reward for a direct attacking move, with Barcola beating his opponent before finding the Swedish striker in the box.

Iraola believes the formula is straightforward: Liverpool must give their centre-forward the opportunities to do what he does best.

“He’s a striker. If we can put him in those positions, we can provide him with crosses, good situations, he will score the goals.”

He specifically praised Barcola’s contribution to the goal, pointing to the winger’s ability to win his duel, get beyond his opponent and deliver the ball into a dangerous area.

It was an encouraging combination for Liverpool. Isak supplied the finishing touch, but the goal also demonstrated the value of winning possession and using the pace of the forwards to attack before the opposition could recover its defensive shape.

One of Liverpool’s standout performers was Ronald Araujo, whose aggressive defending and willingness to compete helped the hosts protect their lead.

The Uruguayan was involved in the build-up to the opening goal, winning two duels before reaching the byline. Although his contribution was not officially an assist, Iraola believed it was instrumental in creating the opportunity.

“It helps a lot, I think we all enjoyed watching Ronald fighting. I think he’s very good in the duels.”

Iraola was equally pleased with Araujo’s defensive work, describing his performance as “really, really good” before adding that the defender had delivered “a very, very good 90 minutes”.

The praise was significant because Araujo had been substituted at half-time in Liverpool’s previous two matches, when the team needed more attacking options. Iraola made clear that the defender had continued working without complaint, and was rewarded with a full game against Brighton.

Liverpool needed that determination as Brighton increased the pressure after the interval. The hosts defended deeper, cleared crosses and blocked attempts as they worked to preserve their clean sheet.

Iraola acknowledged that the contest had become more difficult as Liverpool dropped deeper. He described the first half as relatively even, with both teams defending high and leaving space behind their respective defensive lines.

After the break, Liverpool became more compact, limiting the space Brighton could exploit.

“It’s a team that, if you see stats, they cross a lot, so you have to do the basics very well, you have to clear the ball very well, block shots very well, block crosses, win second balls.”

He felt Liverpool’s defenders had carried out those responsibilities effectively, an assessment supported by the blocks and clearances that helped keep Brighton at bay.

The second half was not without anxious moments. Brighton threatened to make Liverpool pay for their inability to consistently play out, but the home side ultimately protected its advantage and secured a clean sheet.

Iraola was reluctant to describe the result as his most significant victory at Anfield, having also enjoyed Liverpool’s Champions League matches against Atlético Madrid and Villarreal.

But he was clear about its value.

“Today, considering the run of games that they were coming [in from], I think it’s a very valuable win, but I hope we can have better ones.”

There was one concern for Liverpool despite the result, with Wirtz forced off in the second half after twisting his ankle.

Iraola offered some encouragement but stopped short of confirming the midfielder would be available for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.

“Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle; it doesn’t look big but we’ll see.”

Wirtz’s condition will be monitored, with Liverpool facing another quick turnaround before their midweek fixture.

For now, Iraola can take satisfaction from a performance that combined a decisive opening spell with the defensive resilience required to see out the result. Liverpool were more assertive from the start, Isak took his opportunity and Araujo helped ensure Brighton could not find a way back into the contest.

The challenge now is to make that combination of aggression and control a more regular feature of Liverpool’s performances.