Liverpool moved 11 points clear at the top of the table with 2-1 victory over Brighton this morning.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were coasting to victory after two Virgil van Dijk headers from Trent Alexander-Arnold assists in the space of six first-half minutes.

But Alisson’s red card – for clearly handling outside his penalty area with Brighton substitute Leandro Trossard bearing down on goal – gifted Brighton a lifeline.

Substitute keeper Adrian’s first touch was to fish the ball out of his own net after Lewis Dunk’s cute free-kick left the keeper – who was still organising his wall – stranded, before Liverpool’s stopper saved late on from Aaron Mooy.

Liverpool’s 13th top-flight win of the season was anything but straightforward as Alisson became the first Red keeper to be sent off in a Premier League game since fellow Brazilian Doni in 2012.

With his side 2-0 up and closing in on three points, Alisson came rushing out of his penalty area to handle the ball as Brighton attacked.

Liverpool now have 40 points on the premier league ladder followed by Manchester City with 29 points.

Liverpool head into a demanding December, a month which will see the club play nine fixtures in four different competitions, with a fifth successive league win – but this was far too close for comfort.