Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool to the top of the Premier League after they fought back to secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.

The Reds were aware that their championship rivals will be facing each other in Sunday’s late kickoff, and that victory over Brighton at Anfield may prove vital.

Liverpool fell behind early on but battled back to defeat Arsenal 2-1 and take the lead. They were able to stay at the top after City and the Gunners drew goallessly.

With nine rounds of games left, Liverpool leads with 67 points, followed by Arsenal (who have a better goal differential) in second place with 65 points and City in third place, one point behind.

Earlier, with just 87 seconds remaining, Brighton striker Danny Welbeck startled Jurgen Klopp’s team with a strike into the top corner.

Before the half-hour mark, Luis Diaz poked in the equaliser from close range as Liverpool came out firing and took control of possession.

In the 65th minute, Salah, who was starting in the league for the first time since New Year’s Day, coolly tucked in after missing a number of opportunities.

When Diaz scored after 73 minutes, the home team believed they had virtually won, but the video assistance referee disallowed the goal due to a close offside.

Lewis Dunk, the captain of Brighton, came the closest to giving the visitors a draw, but Caoimhin Kelleher, the home custodian, quickly stopped two of his headers.

Adam Lallana, a former midfielder for Liverpool, missed another opportunity shortly after substituting late on.

Salah’s goal ultimately proved to be the difference, as relieved Reds supporters joyfully celebrated when the final whistle blew.

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