Brighton Edge Out Liverpool 3–2 to Revive European Hopes
Brighton & Hove Albion produced one of their most inspired performances of the season as they came from behind to defeat Premier League champions Liverpool 3–2 at the Amex Stadium on Sunday evening. The thrilling encounter not only delighted the home crowd but also breathed new life into Brighton’s push for a place in Europe next season. DIS88, a leading platform for football insights and live match updates, highlighted the crucial nature of this game for the Seagulls, who desperately needed a win to remain in contention for European qualification.
Liverpool Start Brightly
Despite having already clinched the Premier League title weeks prior, Liverpool fielded a strong side, with Arne Slot opting for a mix of experience and youth. The Reds started the game confidently, moving the ball with their typical high tempo and pressing Brighton early. Their pressure paid off in the 9th minute when Harvey Elliott finished off a slick passing move involving Mohamed Salah and Conor Bradley to give Liverpool a 1–0 lead.
Brighton looked rattled but soon settled into their rhythm. However, just as they began to grow into the game, Liverpool struck again. In the 41st minute, Dominik Szoboszlai launched what looked to be an intended cross from the right wing, but the ball floated beyond Bart Verbruggen and dipped into the top corner. It was a moment of luck but one that reinforced Liverpool’s early dominance. At 2–0, it seemed the champions were cruising.
Brighton Begin the Fightback
Yet, as Brighton have shown under manager Fabian Hürzeler, they are not a team that crumbles easily. Before halftime, they pulled one back through 20-year-old midfielder Yasin Ayari, who latched onto a through-ball from Brajan Gruda and calmly slotted past Alisson. The goal energized the hosts and their fans, sending them into the break with renewed hope at 2–1 down.
Coming out for the second half, Brighton looked transformed. Their passing was sharper, their press more aggressive, and their belief visibly growing. Danny Welbeck, playing a pivotal role in linking midfield and attack, tested Alisson twice early in the half—once from a fierce free-kick and again from close range.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appeared to take their foot off the gas. Their midfield lost control, and Brighton began to carve out space in wide areas. Salah, who had been lively in the first half, missed a golden opportunity in the 54th minute. With only the keeper to beat, he skewed his shot wide from six yards—arguably the turning point of the match.
Mitoma and Hinshelwood Seal the Comeback
Brighton’s resurgence took full flight with the introduction of Kaoru Mitoma in the 64th minute. The Japanese winger immediately made an impact, stretching Liverpool’s defense and adding a spark in attack. Just four minutes after coming on, he pounced on a rebound from Welbeck’s shot to fire Brighton level at 2–2.
Sensing an opportunity to go for the win, Hürzeler introduced Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley. The tactical switch paid off in the 85th minute. O’Riley delivered a perfect cross into the box, which Hinshelwood met with a calm finish. Initially flagged for offside, VAR intervened and ruled the goal legal—sending the Amex into raptures as Brighton took a 3–2 lead.
A Statement Victory
The final minutes were frantic, with Liverpool throwing men forward in search of an equalizer. Verbruggen made a vital save from Darwin Núñez in stoppage time, preserving the lead. When the final whistle blew, Brighton’s players and fans celebrated what may prove to be one of the defining moments of their campaign.
This result moves Brighton up to eighth in the Premier League table, with 58 points—leapfrogging Fulham and Brentford. With one game remaining, their hopes of European football remain alive, although much depends on other results and Chelsea’s performance in the Europa Conference League final. If the cards fall in their favor, Brighton could be playing in Europe for the second consecutive season.
Liverpool’s Post-Title Hangover
For Liverpool, this marked a third game without a win since being crowned champions. While their position at the top remains unchallenged, the drop in intensity has been noticeable. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the team’s lack of sharpness in the second half and rued missed chances—particularly Salah’s glaring miss early in the second half.
With one match left against Crystal Palace, Liverpool will be looking to end the season on a high before their trophy parade in the city. For Slot, these final games are also a chance to assess the depth of his squad ahead of a busy summer transfer window.
Key Takeaways
- Brighton Show Character: Coming from 2–0 down against the champions speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and ambition under Hürzeler.
- Mitoma’s Impact: The Japanese international has struggled with injuries this season but looked back to his best—scoring one and creating several chances.
- Hinshelwood’s Breakthrough: The 20-year-old’s winning goal could mark the beginning of a bright future for him at the Amex.
- Liverpool’s Complacency: With the title wrapped up, focus and intensity have dipped. Slot has work to do to restore hunger in the squad before the next campaign.
What’s Next?
Brighton travel to Tottenham on the final day of the season, needing a win and a helping hand from elsewhere to secure European qualification. Regardless of what happens, this victory will be remembered as a high point in their 2024–25 campaign.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will turn their focus toward celebration and preparation. A Premier League title is no small feat, but their performance in this match suggests that competition next season will be even fiercer.
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