Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, faced a tough battle against Brighton as the Seagulls fought back to secure a crucial victory in their quest for European football next season.
Jack Hinshelwood, a substitute for Brighton, emerged as the hero of the match by scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute. Initially ruled offside, the goal was eventually awarded after a VAR check, sealing a dramatic comeback for the Seagulls.
Despite holding a 1-0 and then a 2-1 lead at half-time, Liverpool struggled to maintain their advantage as Brighton staged an impressive recovery to claim a vital three points, propelling them to eighth place in the league standings.
The match at Amex Stadium saw Liverpool take an early lead through Harvey Elliott, only to be pegged back by Yasin Ayari’s equalizer. Dominik Szoboszlai then restored the Reds’ lead with a fortuitous goal that caught the Brighton goalkeeper off guard.
Alisson’s heroics in goal kept Liverpool in the game, but Kaoru Mitoma’s well-taken strike leveled the score before Hinshelwood’s late winner secured the victory for Brighton.
With the win, Brighton positioned themselves for a shot at European qualification, with a crucial final match against Tottenham looming on the horizon. The team finishing eighth in the Premier League could potentially secure a spot in the Uefa Conference League.
However, Chelsea’s performance in the upcoming final against Real Betis will also play a role in determining the European qualification spots, adding an extra layer of suspense to the end of the season.
Captain Salah misses chance to level record
Liverpool’s captain, Mohamed Salah, missed an opportunity to match the Premier League-era record for goal contributions in a single season. Despite his 400th appearance for the club, Salah fell short of equaling the milestone set by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, who secured the title with four games to spare, faced a challenging period after becoming champions, failing to win any of their next three matches—a Premier League first in the modern era.
Brighton’s players paid tribute to Liverpool with a guard of honor as they took to the field, showcasing sportsmanship and respect for the reigning champions.
Virgil van Dijk remained on the bench, allowing Salah to lead the team as captain for the first time in a Premier League match. Despite an early lead through Elliott’s goal, Liverpool struggled to maintain their advantage against a determined Brighton side.
The match saw Salah miss a crucial chance to extend Liverpool’s lead, highlighting the fine margins in top-flight football. As the season nears its conclusion, Salah will look to make his mark in the final match against Crystal Palace, aiming to match the record set by Shearer and Cole.
Player of the match
Kaoru Mitoma
