Brighton got here from behind twice earlier than substitute Jack Hinshelwood’s late aim secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in opposition to Premier League champions Liverpool to spice up their hopes of European qualification.
Brighton began the evening understanding a win would take them into eighth – which may nonetheless be sufficient to safe European soccer for subsequent season – and so they did it the arduous manner in opposition to Liverpool, twice coming from behind earlier than Hinshelwood popped as much as spark the celebrations on the Amex Stadium.
It was an evening for a few of Liverpool’s fringe gamers to point out Arne Slot what they might do and so they continued to show the standard that carried them to the title. Conor Bradley, beginning forward of Trent Alexander-Arnold, breezed by Brighton’s defence earlier than crossing for Harvey Elliott for a tap-in to provide the champions an early lead.
On the different finish, within the absence of the rested Virgil van Dijk, it wasn’t so slick for Arne Slot’s aspect. Brighton responded effectively to going behind and seemed a risk each time they went ahead. Danny Welbeck headed vast from shut vary however the possibilities stored on coming, Yasin Ayari completed a slick transfer from the hosts to convey the scores stage.
Liverpool confronted 11 photographs within the opening 45 minutes – essentially the most they’ve confronted within the first half of a Premier League recreation this season and for 9 years – however they regained the lead on the stroke of half time.
Dominik Szoboszlai, from a crossing place, unexpectedly fired the ball previous Bart Verbruggen. Did he imply it? Was it meant to be a cross? Slot’s response on the touchline was one in all disbelief, whereas talking on Sky Sports activities at half-time, Gary Neville stated: “It didn’t have the shape of a cross.” Nonetheless, Szoboszlai’s nonchalant celebration and his sheepish look steered that possibly he did not imply it.
Brighton continued to go ahead after the break and piled the strain on Liverpool, but it surely was Slot’s aspect who had the higher possibilities to increase their benefit.
Mohamed Salah – making his three hundredth Premier League look – proved he’s solely human, lacking an open aim to stretch the guests’ lead earlier than substitute Kaoru Mitoma equalised, bringing Brighton levelled for a second time within the 69th minute. Alisson stored out Welbeck’s preliminary effort however Mitoma, who had been on the pitch for 4 minutes, adopted as much as hammer residence the rebound.
There appeared to be just one winner within the closing levels with the momentum with Brighton, however they seemed set to be annoyed when Hinshelwood’s close-range effort was initially chalked off. Nonetheless, replays confirmed Matt O’Riley was marginally onside earlier than delivering the help, prompting wild celebrations for the aim and at full-time.
How can Brighton qualify for Europe?
Liverpool have now taken solely a degree from three video games since clinching the title on April 27, whereas Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts climbed to eighth – three factors above Brentford – forward of Sunday’s season finale at Tottenham.
Brighton‘s makes an attempt to sneak into Europe turned complicated after rivals Crystal Palace snatched a Europa League place with Saturday’s shock FA Cup closing win over Manchester Metropolis.
Fabian Hurzeler’s aspect should stay in eighth place to face any probability after which hope Chelsea end seventh and beat Actual Betis within the Convention League closing.
It is also doable if Chelsea end sixth, win the Convention League, and Newcastle end seventh, but when the Blues elevate the trophy and end inside the highest 5, there can be no European place for eighth.
Hurzeler pleased with Brighton’s character
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler:
“There have been a lot of highs and lows throughout the season. It’s important you don’t overreact and important to stay grounded and humble because there is still one game to go but I’m really proud of the team.
“It isn’t solely about taking part in a soccer recreation and the tactical aspect but it surely’s in regards to the psychological aspect too. We solely could be profitable for those who stick collectively and we proved that as we speak so we’re very completely happy however there may be one recreation to go.
“The players changed the intensity on the pitch. They used the goal as the wake up signal. Liverpool were impressive first 20 minutes but I was happy with the reaction.
Story of the match in stats…
Slot bemoans ‘fantastic margins’ after Brighton defeat
Liverpool boss Arne Slot talking after a 3-2 defeat at Brighton:
“After they score the 2-2 I think the momentum swung their way and then they score the third, it was a close margin. Two very good teams were on the pitch. We didn’t score a third when we were up.
“I do know these gamers already for 10 months, so it is not the primary time I am judging them. It is good to see Harvey Elliot rating a aim.
“In general it was a good game from both teams, both teams wanting to play football – no time wasting or delaying, just play football.”
What did Slot be taught from Brighton defeat?
Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Carragher on Monday Evening Soccer:
“Probably not much. He said he knows the players well, even the fringe players, and he sees them every day.
“His reply on the finish of the Sky interview was in all probability telling when it comes to they don;t simply have aim scorers, they create loads of possibilities, and that is why Liverpool have gained the league.
“Defensively, Arsenal are a better team, but in terms of goals and chances they create, Liverpool should have even scored three at least against Brighton.
“I feel that is now 31 video games out of 37 they’ve scored two or extra in a Premier League recreation, which is a file which is fairly excellent, that is why [they’re champions].
What’s arising within the Premier League?
Sky Sports activities to point out 215 dwell PL video games from subsequent season
From subsequent season, Sky Sports activities’ Premier League protection will improve from 128 matches to at the very least 215 video games solely dwell.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League video games subsequent season are on Sky Sports activities.