Brighton secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, with Jack Hinshelwood scoring a decisive late goal.
The Seagulls twice came from behind on Monday, and Hinshelwood’s goal was confirmed after a VAR check showed Matt O’Riley was not offside. Kaoru Mitoma had earlier equalised for Brighton in the 69th minute.
Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool an early lead nine minutes into the match. Yasin Ayari then levelled the score before Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool ahead again with a cross-shot just before half-time. Mohamed Salah missed a crucial chance to extend Liverpool’s lead early in the second half during his 400th appearance for the club.
Brighton are currently eighth in the league as they approach their final match of the season against Tottenham. A draw on Sunday could potentially secure them European football next season, although this depends on other results going their way.
Liverpool’s defeat marked their first loss in a Premier League game after leading at half-time since December 2016. This ended their streak of 156 games without such a defeat, comprising 142 wins and 14 draws.
Liverpool became the first team to be crowned Premier League champions and then fail to win any of their next three matches in the same season, recording two draws and one loss. Despite this setback, they have scored in all 19 away games this season, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as teams achieving this feat in a single campaign.
Brighton have now come back to win three Premier League matches this season after trailing at half-time, with only Fulham doing so more often with five comebacks. Brighton’s performance against Liverpool was impressive, generating an expected goals (xG) total of 2.34 from 25 shots, including 12 on target.
Liverpool managed an xG of 2.11 from their 18 attempts but ultimately lost despite leading at half-time for the first time since December 2016. Brighton will feel justified in their victory given these statistics.