Brighton 3-2 Liverpool: Dramatic comeback boosts Seagulls' European qualification hopes

Brighton came from behind twice before substitute Jack Hinshelwood's late goal secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against Premier League champions Liverpool to boost their hopes of European qualification.

Brighton started the night knowing a win would take them into eighth - which could still be enough to secure European football for next season - and they did it the hard way against Liverpool, twice coming from behind before Hinshelwood popped up to spark the celebrations at the Amex Stadium.

It was a night for some of Liverpool's fringe players to show Arne Slot what they could do and they continued to display the quality that carried them to the title. Conor Bradley, starting ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, breezed through Brighton's defence before crossing for Harvey Elliott for a tap-in to give the champions an early lead.

At the other end, in the absence of the rested Virgil van Dijk, it wasn't so slick for Arne Slot's side. Brighton responded well to going behind and looked a threat every time they went forward. Danny Welbeck headed wide from close range but the chances kept on coming, Yasin Ayari finished a slick move from the hosts to bring the scores level.

Match Summary

Liverpool began reviews by Harvey Elliott in the 17th minute. Harvey Elliott used an accurate pass from Connor Bradley to pass the Brighton goalkeeper and bring the ball. Brighton responded to the 3th minute when Yasin Ayali found the net and denied the score. However, Liverpool achieved a lead shortly before halftime with a long-term effort by Dominik Szoboszlai.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler made an effective replacement in the second half. Kaoru Mitoma, introduced in the 65th minute, was well balanced with a proper shot in the 70th minute. The key moment came in the 87th minute when Jack Hinshelwood recently achieved his first touch and an unforgettable victory for the home team.

Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion:

Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen

Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk (c), Pervis Estupiñán

Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Pascal Groß, Yasin Ayari

Forwards: Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson, Simon Adingra

Substitutes:

Jason Steele, Adam Webster, Joël Veltman, Carlos Baleba, Mahmoud Dahoud, Facundo Buonanotte, Julio Enciso, Ansu Fati, Jack Hinshelwood

Manager: Fabian Hürzeler

Liverpool:

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defenders: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Jarell Quansah, Andrew Robertson

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa

Substitutes:

Caoimhín Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endō, Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota

Manager: Arne Slot

Match Statistics

Possession: Brighton 46% – 54% Liverpool

Shots: Brighton 14 – 11 Liverpool

Shots on Target: Brighton 6 – 5 Liverpool

Corners: Brighton 5 – 4 Liverpool

Fouls: Brighton 10 – 12 Liverpool

Post-Match Reactions

Fabian Hürzeler (Brighton Manager): "We are extremely proud of the team's character and resolve. The two times against the champions show our resistance and ambitions.

"Arne Slot (Liverpool Manager): "It's a disappointing result. We started off well but lost control in the second half. Credits for your performance."

Implications

Brighton & Hove Albion will rank 8th in the Premier League rating, improving the prospects for European competition next season. For Liverpool, defeat serves as a memory of the challenges he faces in maintaining top performance after the title clinch.

Preview Recap

Brighton used his home advantage and aimed to be extremely important to his European qualifications. After Liverpool already secured the Premier League title, she tried to maintain the winning dynamic. The encounter promised excitement, and both teams attacked with football and resolve.

How can Brighton qualify for Europe?

Liverpool have now taken only a point from three games since clinching the title on April 27, while Fabian Hurzeler's hosts climbed to eighth - three points above Brentford - ahead of Sunday's season finale at Tottenham.

Brighton's attempts to sneak into Europe became complex after rivals Crystal Palace snatched a Europa League place with Saturday's shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

Fabian Hurzeler's side must remain in eighth position to stand any chance and then hope Chelsea finish seventh and beat Real Betis in the Conference League final.

It's also possible if Chelsea finish sixth, win the Conference League, and Newcastle finish seventh, but if the Blues lift the trophy and finish inside the top five, there will be no European place for eighth.

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