Liverpool gave Andoni Iraola a first Premier League home win at Anfield, beating Brighton 2-0 after a blistering opening spell was followed by a far more testing afternoon.

The Reds struck twice inside the opening stages, with Pascal Groß turning Florian Wirtz’s effort into his own net before Alexander Isak finished off an excellent Bradley Barcola cross. But Brighton gradually found their way into the contest, striking the woodwork before forcing Liverpool into a series of defensive interventions.

The windy conditions made the opening exchanges awkward, with both sides having to adjust to a swirling ball and difficult deliveries. Liverpool adapted quickly, however, and began on the front foot, with Isak holding up possession well to bring Cody Gakpo into play. His curling effort was comfortably gathered by Bart Verbruggen, but it was an early indication of the hosts’ attacking intent.

Brighton offered a warning of their own when Costinha won possession high up the pitch and Diego Gómez split Liverpool’s defence with a clever pass to find the in-form Pascal Groß. The German picked out Yasin Ayari in space, but the midfielder fired over from a promising position. Liverpool had escaped, although the move showed the danger of losing possession in the wrong areas.

Liverpool’s breakthrough came after determined work from Ronald Araujo, who won the ball high up the pitch and continued the attack despite being fouled. His cross caused problems in the Brighton penalty area, and when Wirtz’s effort took a deflection off Groß, the ball spun beyond Verbruggen.

The goal gave Liverpool the platform they wanted, and they immediately went in search of another. Gakpo drove down the left and forced Verbruggen into a smart save, with Isak unable to convert the rebound as his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Liverpool did not have to wait long to double their advantage. Barcola’s pressing proved decisive as he won possession in a dangerous area before delivering an excellent cross into the box. Isak took it in his stride and finished smartly, leaving Verbruggen with little chance.

At 2-0, Liverpool looked capable of adding to their lead. Wirtz’s set-piece delivery continued to trouble Brighton, and Mac Allister sent a header wide from a corner. Araujo also came close after a superb outside-of-the-boot pass from Mac Allister released him into the area, with Verbruggen making an important save after the defender recovered from a heavy first touch.

Yet Brighton refused to disappear. Liverpool’s defensive composure began to waver as the visitors found opportunities to attack, and Ayari struck the post after a costly error in the hosts’ build-up, compounded by a misplaced pass from Alisson.

The goalkeeper was required again before the interval, saving from Charalampos Kostoulas after Brighton had built further pressure. Diego Gómez saw a follow-up blocked as Liverpool scrambled to protect their advantage.

The half-time whistle came as a welcome relief for the hosts. Their early aggression had earned them a commanding lead, but Brighton had demonstrated that the contest remained alive.

Liverpool struggled to escape their own half at the start of the second period as Brighton pushed forward in search of a way back into the match. The visitors dominated possession and repeatedly forced the hosts to defend around their penalty area.

A free-kick offered Brighton an opportunity to put Alisson under pressure, but Luka Vuskovic sent his effort comfortably over the crossbar. Liverpool were still struggling to regain control, though, and needed a crucial intervention from Trey Nyoni to preserve their two-goal cushion.

Nyoni had barely settled into the game when he threw himself in front of a Maxim De Cuyper effort that appeared destined for the corner. Ayari then fired wide as Brighton continued to probe, with Liverpool increasingly reliant on their defensive commitment to keep the visitors at bay.

The hosts eventually found some relief through a counter-attack. Jérémy Jacquet’s forward ball found Isak, who brought Gakpo into play down the left. The Dutchman cut inside, but his attempt to bend the ball into the far corner was blocked.

Barcola also had an opportunity to extend Liverpool’s lead after Gravenberch picked him out on the right. The forward shifted the ball onto his left foot but sent his shot wide, leaving Brighton with encouragement that they remained in the contest.

Brighton’s search for a goal continued into the closing stages, and Alisson again proved important. Kostoulas found room to shoot, but the Brazilian reacted sharply to make a strong save at his near post and protect Liverpool’s clean sheet.

Liverpool were still unable to completely silence the visitors, but they began to find more opportunities to move forward. Kerkez combined neatly with Gakpo to create another shooting chance, although the forward sent his effort over the crossbar.

There would be no late twist this time. Liverpool held firm through the closing stages to secure a clean sheet, a valuable three points and Iraola’s first Premier League home victory.

The opening spell had showcased Liverpool’s attacking quality and the effectiveness of their pressing, with Barcola’s work in the build-up to Isak’s goal particularly important. But Brighton’s response also demonstrated the need for greater control across a full match.

For Iraola, the result mattered most. Liverpool had followed their European comeback against Villarreal with a more disciplined defensive finish, even if the second half was far from comfortable. The challenge now is to build on that first league win at Anfield and make it the beginning of a more consistent run.