- Philippe Coutinho fools multiple Brighton defenders with superb footwork
- No.10 scored one goal and produced three assists in 5-1 win for Liverpool
- Brazilian led Reds to eight games unbeaten in all competitions
- SEE MORE: “He’s exceptional”- Firmino describes Klopp’s impact on him at Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho treated the Amex Stadium to a touch of magic on Saturday as he fooled Brighton defenders with a superb jinking run.
With Liverpool 2-0 up late in the first-half, the Brazilian deemed it an appropriate time to assert his dominance over his opponents.
In a flurry of sharp cutbacks and an exhibition of ‘dropping the shoulder’ at its best, the Reds maestro sent his markers in a twist before eventually drawing a foul.
The run typified what would become a Coutinho masterclass, with the No.10 scoring a genius low free-kick late in the second-half.
A fresh-legged Coutinho following a rest for the midweek win over Stoke marked immediate danger signs for Brighton from the off.
The little magician was majestic and yet again justified Barcelona’s desperate attempts to lure him to the Nou Camp, as well as Liverpool’s desire to keep him at the club no matter what the offer.
Alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, he executed a devastating and, crucially, statement-making counterattacking display that made the Reds worthy of their fourth-place league position.
Ahead of a traditionally hectic schedule, Coutinho beginning to hit top form couldn’t be anymore timely.
The Coutinho-inspired rout later saw Brighton manager Chris Hughton label Liverpool as the best attacking side in the league alongside Manchester City.
Eight games unbeaten represents an admirable response to October’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley.
A win in the Merseyside derby next week would certainly spice things up heading into Christmas.