Johnny Nicholson: Ronaldo is a pain-killing injection but United's injury remains untreated

Weekend talking points

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo gives a thumbs up after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday March 12, 2022.

Brighton on the beach already?

What could’ve been a tricky game turned out to be an easy win for Liverpool. Brighton’s players may have concluded that their season is all but done and they’re going to finish mid-table so what’s the point in putting their shoulder to the wheel. They made little headway against Liverpool and when chances came, they never looked like taking them. In the second half, Graham Potter tried to open the game up and played three at the back, but that just let Liverpool dominate them to a greater extent. The Seagulls have played good football all season but they look toothless and limp in attack. They’ve made the mistake of trying to craft goals as though they’re an art form and over-playing as a result. Some more direct, aggressive play amongst the good football would be welcome. That’s five losses in a row and a finish in the bottom third now looks likely after being in the top half for most of the season. It raises a greater problem. When you reach early March and you know you won’t be relegated but won’t make the Europa League places either, what is there to play for? Effectively, the last 25% of Brighton’s season will be dead rubbers. It’s no wonder players get demotivated.