Brighton striker Danny Welbeck scored twice as his side defeated Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday. This result deals a significant blow to the Reds’ hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Arne Slot’s Brighton entered the match in high spirits, following a dominant 4-0 Champions League win against Galatasaray. Welbeck’s opening goal came in the 14th minute, heading home a cross from Diego Gomez. This strike marked his 11th Premier League goal of the season, making him the top English goalscorer.
Liverpool struggled without key players, missing both goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Mohamed Salah. Their challenges increased when top scorer Hugo Ekitike left the field with a dead leg after a challenge by James Milner.
Liverpool briefly equalized in the 30th minute, as left-back Milos Kerkez capitalized on a defensive error from Brighton captain Lewis Dunk. Kerkez’s composed finish over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen restored parity.
The second half saw Brighton regain control, with Danny Welbeck scoring again in the 56th minute from a precise cross by Yankuba Minteh, confirmed by VAR. Despite substitutions including Federico Chiesa and Andy Robertson, Liverpool failed to respond effectively.
Brighton now boast four wins in five Premier League games, keeping European ambitions alive. Meanwhile, Liverpool remain fifth, two points behind Aston Villa and one ahead of Chelsea, fighting to secure a top-five finish.
The Reds’ Premier League title defense collapsed earlier this season, but they remain active in the Champions League and FA Cup. Alisson confirmed he will be “out of action for a while,” adding to Liverpool’s growing concerns.
