Andoni Iraola's reign at Liverpool has taken its first significant step forward, with a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion providing a potential marker for what his project might become.

The win drew immediate comparisons to a similar moment two years ago, when Arne Slot's tenure at Liverpool began in earnest with a victory over the same opponents. That result proved to be the launchpad for something special — and Liverpool supporters will be hoping history is repeating itself.

Iraola, who built a reputation for high-intensity, tactically disciplined football during his time in the Premier League, now faces the immense challenge of following one of the most successful coaching transitions in recent Liverpool history. Slot delivered trophies and belief; Iraola must now forge his own identity at Anfield.

The result against Brighton & Hove Albion has offered an early sign that the club's expensive attacking recruits are beginning to click within Iraola's system. Liverpool's big-money forwards were central to the victory, suggesting the investment in attacking quality may already be bearing fruit.

Whether this victory represents a genuine turning point or simply a moment of early-season optimism remains to be seen. But for a manager still establishing himself on Merseyside, a win that echoes the beginning of his predecessor's successful run will be welcome — and significant.