Danny Welbeck delivered a match-winning performance with a brace as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2-1 victory over Liverpool FC on Saturday, denting the visitors’ hopes of securing a Champions League place next season.
Arne Slot’s side arrived on the south coast full of confidence after a commanding 4-0 win over Galatasaray in midweek, which booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. However, Brighton proved too strong, claiming their fourth win in five league outings to boost their own push for European qualification.
Liverpool were without key players Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah for the clash at the Amex Stadium. Their troubles deepened early on when leading scorer Hugo Ekitike was forced off with an apparent dead leg following a challenge from former Liverpool midfielder James Milner.
Brighton took the lead in the 14th minute through Welbeck, who headed home from close range after Diego Gomez nodded a cross back into the danger area. The goal marked his 11th of the league season, making the 35-year-old the highest-scoring English player in the competition so far.
Liverpool responded positively, with Alexis Mac Allister going close to equalising, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced a sharp save. The visitors eventually drew level in the 30th minute after a defensive lapse by Brighton captain Lewis Dunk. His misplaced header was pounced on by Milos Kerkez, who calmly lifted the ball over Verbruggen.
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Brighton regained control early in the second half, with Welbeck striking again in the 56th minute. A precise delivery from Yankuba Minteh found its way to him via Jack Hinshelwood, and he finished confidently. The goal stood after a VAR review.
Despite introducing substitutes including Rio Ngumoha, Andy Robertson, and Federico Chiesa in search of an equaliser, Liverpool struggled to threaten as Brighton maintained control.
The defeat leaves Liverpool in fifth place in the Premier League standings, trailing Aston Villa by two points and sitting one point ahead of Chelsea FC. With the top five likely to secure Champions League qualification, the race remains tight.
While their title defence faltered earlier in the campaign, Liverpool are still active in Europe and will face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals next month. Meanwhile, Alisson revealed via social media that he will be “out of action for a while.”