Liverpool supporters have focused heavily on the attacking potential of Andoni Iraola’s team, but something equally important is taking shape at Anfield.
Iraola is giving Liverpool a defensive platform to build on, and the 2-0 victory over Brighton offered clear evidence of that progress.
Liverpool are not the finished article, but they are becoming more organised, determined and difficult to break down. That was one of the biggest positives from Sunday’s win.
Brighton Win Shows Liverpool’s Defensive Improvement
Liverpool’s first half was excellent. The Reds pressed aggressively, attacked with pace and took a two-goal lead through Pascal Groß’s own goal and Alexander Isak’s finish.
What impressed me most, however, was their response after the break.
Brighton enjoyed plenty of possession and tried to force their way back into the match. Liverpool had to defend their penalty area, deal with crosses and make important blocks to protect their advantage.
This time, they stood firm.
The clean sheet was especially satisfying against a Brighton side capable of troubling most Premier League teams. Liverpool did not need to dominate every minute; they needed to stay disciplined, make the right interventions and avoid giving their opponents an easy route back.
There were still warning signs. Yasin Ayari struck the post after a dangerous Liverpool giveaway, and the Reds could have made life easier for themselves. But being tested is not the same as collapsing under pressure.
Liverpool held on, and that deserves credit.
Ronald Araújo Is Setting the Standard
Ronald Araújo embodied Liverpool’s defensive attitude.
The Uruguayan was aggressive, committed and determined in every challenge. He tracked danger, threw himself into tackles and made Brighton work for every opportunity in the defensive third.
His contribution to the opening goal was important, too, as he battled to win the ball before the move that ended with Groß scoring an own goal. Yet his defensive work was the real highlight.
Liverpool fans want players who understand the demands of the shirt, and Araújo is showing that mentality.
He was supported by Jérémy Jacquet, who delivered another composed performance, while Virgil van Dijk brought experience and authority to the back line. Milos Kerkez also played his part in securing the clean sheet.
This defence is beginning to combine aggression, composure and experience—exactly the sort of foundation Iraola can develop.
Jacquet and Van Dijk Could Become a Crucial Partnership
Jacquet continues to encourage me. He looks comfortable in possession, reads danger well and appears ready for the responsibility of playing for Liverpool.
Partnering Van Dijk is no easy task, but Jacquet is handling it impressively. Van Dijk, meanwhile, looked much stronger against Brighton after a difficult evening against Villarreal. His positioning, aerial ability and reading of the game helped Liverpool withstand the visitors’ pressure.
There is still room for improvement, but the potential is clear. If Jacquet continues to develop and Araújo maintains this level of commitment, Iraola will have several strong options when shaping his back line.
Liverpool need consistency defensively, particularly against the best teams in the country. A settled and confident unit could make a major difference over the course of the season.
Iraola’s Approach Is Starting to Make Sense
What I like about Iraola is that his football is not simply about attacking.
Liverpool should press high, move the ball quickly and use the pace in their forward line. The first half against Brighton showed how dangerous they can be when everything clicks.
But that attacking threat means little if the team cannot defend after losing possession.
Iraola spoke after the match about Liverpool becoming more compact in the second half and emphasised clearing the ball, blocking shots and crosses, and winning second balls. These may not be glamorous aspects of football, but they are essential.
Liverpool will not control every match. Opponents will sometimes dominate possession and force them to defend deep. The key is responding without panic.
Against Brighton, Liverpool showed they can remain organised and protect a lead under pressure. That is a foundation worth building on.
A Strong Defence Gives Liverpool’s Attack Freedom
This is what excites me most.
Liverpool have players capable of causing serious problems going forward. Isak is scoring, Barcola is beginning to show his pace and quality, and Wirtz is growing in confidence.
They will be even more dangerous if the defence provides stability.
A stronger back line allows Liverpool to attack with greater freedom, knowing that every missed chance will not automatically lead to danger at the other end. It also gives Iraola more tactical flexibility: the team can press aggressively when appropriate, but also drop deeper and protect space when necessary.
Brighton showed both sides of that approach. Liverpool were dangerous in transition early on, then defended resolutely when the visitors pushed forward.
Tougher tests are coming, but this was another step in the right direction.
The Arsenal Match Will Be Another Huge Test
The next challenge is carrying this progress into the visit of Arsenal.
That match will offer a clearer indication of how far Liverpool have come defensively. They must remain disciplined, aggressive at the right moments and careful not to concede cheap chances.
I would much rather see Liverpool approach Arsenal after a hard-fought clean sheet than another match in which defensive mistakes cost them points.
Confidence matters, especially for defenders. Every successful tackle, block and clean sheet strengthens belief, and Liverpool are beginning to collect those moments.
One result does not solve every problem, but the Brighton performance gives Iraola something positive to build on.
My Verdict: Liverpool Finally Have a Platform to Build On
Iraola deserves credit for the defensive progress Liverpool are beginning to show.
The 2-0 victory over Brighton demonstrated that this team can combine attacking threat with resilience. Araújo was outstanding, Jacquet continues to impress, and Van Dijk provided the leadership needed to see out the win.
Most importantly, Liverpool stayed focused when Brighton tried to fight back. That is the mentality supporters want to see.
Liverpool have always possessed the attacking talent to hurt opponents. The key is developing a team that can defend properly when matches become difficult.
If Iraola can continue strengthening that side of the game while maximising Liverpool’s attacking quality, there is plenty of reason for optimism.
The Brighton victory was not just about three points. It was another sign that Iraola is building something Liverpool can move forward with.
The foundations are taking shape. Now Liverpool must keep building on them.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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