In a gripping Monday night encounter at the Amex Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion delivered one of their most spirited performances of the season, coming from behind twice to defeat reigning champions Liverpool 3–2. With European qualification still within reach, Brighton rose to the occasion, delivering a performance packed with resilience, tactical maturity, and moments of brilliance.
Liverpool set the tone early, with Harvey Elliott scoring in the 9th minute after a well-worked move. The finish was calm and clinical, giving the Reds a quick lead and suggesting they were on track for another professional performance. But Brighton, now managed by Fabian Hürzeler, were not to be outdone.
Brighton’s response came in the 32nd minute when Yasin Ayari leveled the score. It was a just reward for a period of sustained pressure, and it reminded Liverpool that the Seagulls, even with a rotated side, remained a dangerous outfit.
The visitors reclaimed the lead in the 55th minute, as Dominik Szoboszlai fired in from close range after a parried shot. At that point, Liverpool appeared to have control, managing possession well and keeping Brighton at bay.
But the game turned on its head again in the 71st minute. Kaoru Mitoma, coming off the bench, weaved into the box and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner to bring Brighton level at 2–2. The atmosphere at the Amex lifted, and Brighton, sensing vulnerability, pushed on for the winner.
It came just 14 minutes later, in the 85th minute, from yet another substitute—Jack Hinshelwood. With almost his first touch of the ball, the 19-year-old pounced on a loose ball inside the area and slotted it home. The goal was subject to a brief VAR check but was ultimately allowed to stand, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Following the win Brighton's manager, Fabian Hürzeler, expressed immense pride in his team's performance, particularly highlighting the impact of his substitutions. He noted that the introductions of Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood were pivotal, as both players scored crucial goals shortly after entering the match. He praised the team's cohesion and resilience, emphasizing their determination to secure European qualification.
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, remained positive despite the defeat. He acknowledged the narrow margins that often decide outcomes at the elite level of football and recognized Brighton's effective substitutions and spirited comeback. Slot also reflected on his team's performance, noting the significance of the loss, which marked the first time in nine years that Liverpool had lost a match after leading at halftime.
As for Liverpool, they now look ahead to their final game of the season against Crystal Palace, where they will celebrate their Premier League title by lifting the trophy at Anfield. Despite the setback, the mood remains upbeat, and their overall campaign has been a dominant one.
For Brighton, this memorable win lifts them to eighth in the table and keeps their European hopes alive. With one game to go, they’ve proven once again that they can match up against the very best—making the final week of the season one to watch closely.
