Brighton & Hove Albion forward Danny Welbeck scored twice to dent Liverpool FC’s hopes of securing a UEFA Champions League place, as the Seagulls claimed a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium.
The Reds, managed by Arne Slot, travelled to Sussex without key players Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah, and were looking to recover from a frustrating draw against Tottenham Hotspur and a defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Brighton made a strong start, taking the lead in the 14th minute when Welbeck headed home after Diego Gómez nodded the ball back across goal from Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s cross.
The goal came after a costly error from Ibrahima Konaté, who gifted possession deep in Liverpool territory.
Liverpool responded in the 30th minute, capitalising on a defensive mistake by Lewis Dunk.
The Brighton captain inadvertently headed the ball into danger, allowing Miloš Kerkez to pounce and chip goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for the equaliser.
However, the hosts regained control in the second half. Welbeck struck again in the 56th minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked move involving Yankuba Minteh and Jack Hinshelwood. The goal survived a tight VAR check before being confirmed.
Liverpool’s problems were compounded early on when top scorer Hugo Ekitike was forced off injured inside the opening minutes following a collision with James Milner.
Despite introducing Andrew Robertson and Federico Chiesa late on, the visitors struggled to break down Brighton’s defence. Cody Gakpo came closest with a late effort, but Verbruggen was equal to the task.
Brighton goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also impressed, denying efforts from Gómez and Minteh, while substitute Yasin Ayari saw a late attempt blocked.
The result marks Brighton’s fourth win in five matches, lifting them into the top half of the table.
For Liverpool, it extends a difficult run of form in the league, leaving their push for Champions League qualification hanging in the balance despite recent European success against Galatasaray.
