Liverpool fell further behind their rivals as they dropped two points in a 3-3 draw against Brighton at Anfield on Saturday.
Two early mistakes from full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold were punished by Brighton winger Leandro Trossard, as Jurgen Klopp’s men found themselves 0-2 down after 17 minutes.
The home side failed to react and could have found themselves further behind if it wasn’t for crucial tackles and saves from Virgil van Dijk and keeper Alisson Becker.
On the stroke of half-time, Roberto Firmino latched onto a poor touch by Mohamed Salah before slotting the ball past Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Colombian winger Luis Diaz replaced youngster Fabio Carvalho at half-time, and Liverpool began to build their way into the game by controlling possession.
Ten minutes later, Diaz set up Firmino for his second as the Brazilian weaved his way through the heart of the Seagull’s defence before slotting the ball home to level the score.
The Red’s persistent pressure continued, and it showed as Brighton defender Adam Webster turned the ball into his own net from Alexander-Arnold’s out swinging corner.
However, despite the bright start to the second half from the home side, Leandro Trossard bounced in his third of the game to claim his hat-trick and more importantly secure a point in new Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi’s first game in charge.
The draw leaves Liverpool in 9th place in the Premier League on ten points after seven games, seven points behind title rivals Manchester City.
Whereas Brighton currently sit in 4th place in the Premier League, with only one defeat all season.
Liverpool will be looking to turn their form around next week as they host Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling down to London to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League next Sunday.