Mohamed Salah stars as Liverpool best Brighton, Chelsea back on the winning trail

Salah comes off bench to lead Liverpool to victory

Mohamed Salah marked his return to the Liverpool squad with an assist as Arne Slot's side beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, climbing to sixth in the league and extending their unbeaten run to five matches.

The victory was Liverpool's first home win since 4 November and secured back-to-back wins and clean sheets.

Hugo Ekitike struck twice for the hosts, opening the scoring after just 46 seconds with the quickest Premier League goal of the season after Joe Gomez's header caught out Bart Verbruggen.

Gomez was later forced off injured, prompting Dominik Szoboszlai to move to right-back. Ekitike doubled his tally on the hour, heading home at the back post from a Salah corner for his 10th goal of the season and a second successive league double.

Salah, introduced in the 26th minute after being left out in midweek, later missed a late chance and waved to supporters amid uncertainty over his future.

Superior finishing helps Chelsea clinch win over Everton

Chelsea ended a four-game winless run with a 2-0 victory over in-form Everton at Stamford Bridge, consolidating fourth place in the Premier League.

After a poor start to December that included defeats to Leeds and Atalanta and a draw with Bournemouth, Mauricio Pochettino's side delivered a timely response.

Everton dominated the opening 20 minutes, with Iliman Ndiaye testing the defence twice and James Garner going close.

However, momentum swung after 21 minutes when 23-year-old Cole Palmer, managing a groin injury that sidelined him for more than two months, scored his first goal since September.

Played in behind by right-back Malo Gusto, Palmer finished at the near post to beat Jordan Pickford, with England manager Thomas Tuchel in attendance.

Chelsea doubled their lead just before half-time as Gusto reacted quickest to convert Pedro Neto's cross.

Despite further Everton chances after the break, Chelsea's superior finishing proved decisive. Everton remain eighth, having played one game more than most rivals. 

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