Brighton’s replacement Jack Hinshelwood scored a late winner, securing a 3-2 comeback triumph over champions Liverpool. The victory maintains Brighton’s chances for European competition next season, continuing to demonstrate the team’s resilience by achieving two comebacks.
This result not only shakes up the Premier League table but also puts Brighton in a strong position to challenge for a Europa League or Conference League spot. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title ambitions take a hit, with defensive frailties exposed once again.
How Brighton beat Liverpool
Fighting for eighth place and a chance to play in Europe next season if Chelsea takes the Conference League, Brighton were behind in the ninth minute when Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott scored. But their midfielder Yasin Ayari leveled the score in the 32nd minute.
Despite Dominik Szoboszlai’s dipping cross-shot putting Liverpool ahead just before halftime, Brighton’s manager Fabian Huerzeler made smart changes after the break, turning the game in their favor.
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma came off the bench to replace Owen Hargreaves in the 64th minute and quickly started making a difference. Four minutes later, he scored a smart goal by deflecting a difficult shot after Danny Welbeck’s shot came off.
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma entered the game in the 64th minute and made an immediate impact. Four minutes later, he scored a smart goal by shooting a tricky rebound from Danny Welbeck’s shot.
When 20-year-old Jack Hinshelwood came on in the 84th minute, he seized the opportunity to be the hero. Within a minute, he scored the winner from Matt O’Riley’s cross.
The goal was first disallowed for offside, but after a long VAR review, it was allowed. This put Brighton in eighth place with 58 points from 37 games, three points ahead of Brentford and four ahead of Fulham. Bournemouth is one point behind Fulham with a game in hand.
Coming off the bench, I aimed to make a significant impact and give my best effort, Hinshelwood said. The ball was delivered perfectly, and I guided it into the net.
There was an anxious wait for the goal to be awarded, but as soon as it was allowed, I felt pure relief
Brighton will play their last game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday .Liverpool will play their last game against Crystal Palace and will get the Premier League trophy at Anfield. Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott said, “We try not to get too carried away with celebrations. We need to take the positives from this game into the final match.
Brighton & Hove Albion:
League Position: 8th
Points: 58 from 37 games
Wins: 16
Draws: 10
Losses: 11
Goals Scored: 61 Goals
Conceded: 58
Top Scorer: João Pedro (12 goals)
Top Assists: João Pedro (6 assists)
Clean Sheets: 8
Average Goals per Match: 1.64
Average Goals Conceded per Match: 1.56
Liverpool League Position: 1st (Champions)
Points: 86 from 37 games
Wins: 27
Draws: 5
Losses: 5
Goals Scored: 86
Goals Conceded: 38
Top Scorer: Mohamed Salah (28 goals)
Top Assists: Mohamed Salah (18 assists)
Clean Sheets: 14
Average Goals per Match: 2.31
Average Goals Conceded per Match: 1.03
Key Players – Who stood out?
Brighton’s Heroes:
- Joao Pedro: Leading scorer and top assist provider.
- Carlos Baleba: Leading midfielder with 73 tackles.
- Bart Verbruggen: Goalkeeper with 8 clean sheets.
Liverpool Heroes :
- Mohamed Salah: Leading scorer and top assist provider.
- Luis Diaz: 2nd top scorer with 13 goals.
- Alexis Mac Allister: Leading midfielder with 95 tackles.
- Alisson: Goalkeeper with 14 clean sheets!
What This Win Means for Brighton’s European Hopes
Brighton’s victory puts them in a strong position to compete for a top-seven finish, which could mean:
- Europa League qualification (if they finish 5th-6th)
- Conference League spot (7th place)
With Tottenham Hotspur and other rivals dropping points, Brighton’s consistency under De Zerbi makes them serious contenders.
Upcoming Matches That Can Decide Their Fate
Brighton vs. Tottenham Hotspur – A direct battle for European spots.
Manchester United (Away) – A tough test but winnable given United’s inconsistencies.
Aston Villa (Home) – Another key clash in the race for Europe.
If Brighton maintains this form, European nights at the Amex Stadium could become a reality.
Liverpool’s title challenge suffers a setback
This defeat leaves Liverpool five points behind the league leaders, raising questions about their title credentials.
Where did Liverpool go wrong?
- Defensive Vulnerabilities – Conor Bradley’s inexperience was exploited.
- Midfield Struggles – Szoboszlai and Elliott lacked creativity.
- Salah’s Quiet Game – The Egyptian was marked out effectively by Brighton’s defense.
Jurgen Klopp will need to regroup quickly, especially with crucial fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City looming.
Tactical analysis – How Brighton beat Liverpool
De Zerbi High Press and Midfield Control
- Brighton’s pressing forced Liverpool into mistakes.
- Mitoma and Adingra stretched Liverpool’s full-backs, creating space for Welbeck.
Liverpool lacks creativity
- Without Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool struggled to break Brighton’s lines.
- Gakpo and Elliott were ineffective in linking up the play.
The way forward – can Brighton maintain this form?
Brighton’s squad depth will be tested, but with emerging talents like Jack Hinshelwood and Yasin Ayari, they have the quality to compete.
Players Who Can Make a Difference
- Simon Adingra – Electric pace and directness.
- Brajan Gruda – A rising star with creativity.
- Bart Verbruggen – Becoming a reliable last line of defense.
If they keep key players fit, European football is within reach.
A key moment in Brighton’s season
This win over Liverpool could prove to be a turning point in Brighton’s campaign. De Zerbi’s tactical brilliance and the movement of key players forward keep the dream of European football alive.
For Liverpool, it’s back to the drawing board as their title hopes have suffered another blow.
