Brighton delivered a thrilling late comeback to defeat Liverpool 3-2 at the Amex Stadium, boosting their hopes of European qualification heading into the final day of the Premier League season.
Having already secured the league title with four games to spare, Liverpool were brought back down to earth by a spirited Brighton side determined to claim a place in next season’s European competitions. Jack Hinshelwood proved the hero, scoring the winner with his first touch after coming off the bench, capping off a high-energy performance from the hosts.
Liverpool twice took the lead, first through Harvey Elliott’s tap-in following a sharp move down the right, then through Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross-cum-shot that looped into the net just before half-time. But Brighton hit back both times. Yasin Ayari levelled the score with a smart finish after a flowing move, and Kaoru Mitoma made it 2-2 after Alisson failed to hold a shot from Danny Welbeck, with the Japanese winger reacting quickest to fire home.
The match saw moments of high drama and quality. Brighton’s attacking play, led by Ayari, Gruda, and Mitoma, constantly asked questions of Liverpool’s defence. Welbeck had multiple chances to score himself, including a header that appeared to strike the arm of Kostas Tsimikas in the first half, though no penalty was awarded. Liverpool, for their part, showed glimpses of their usual fluency in attack, but a lack of sharpness and wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly.
Mohamed Salah endured a rare off night, missing a clear-cut opportunity in the second half from just eight yards out. Cody Gakpo’s clever set-up should have resulted in a goal, but Salah’s finish lacked conviction. It summed up a frustrating evening for Liverpool, who failed to capitalise on their dominance in key phases. Despite ringing in the changes, with Darwin Núñez among the substitutes introduced late on, the visitors couldn’t regain control once Brighton seized the momentum.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, reportedly on the verge of a move to Real Madrid, remained on the bench amid tension from some fans after recent criticism. His brief appearance at full-time went largely unnoticed by the travelling support, who continued celebrating their title win despite this being their fourth league defeat of the season.
Brighton, meanwhile, showed real fight and resilience. Head coach Fabian Hürzeler’s substitutions proved pivotal. Mitoma brought intensity and directness, while Hinshelwood’s winner bundled in after Matt O’Riley’s cross was met with wild celebrations from the home crowd. A lengthy VAR check for a potential offside in the build-up added to the tension, but the goal stood, sealing a crucial victory.
Brighton now move above Brentford in the race for eighth place and can secure European football with a win against Tottenham on the final day, depending on other results. It was a performance full of energy, belief, and purpose qualities that have defined their campaign. For Liverpool, already crowned champions, the defeat serves as a reminder of the thin margins in elite football and the challenges that remain even after reaching the pinnacle.
