Veteran striker Danny Welbeck struck twice to lead Brighton & Hove Albion to an impressive win over Liverpool, piling more pressure on the visitors’ faltering Premier League campaign.
The 35-year-old opened the scoring early on and, after Liverpool responded through Milos Kerkez, restored Brighton’s lead in the second half to secure a deserved victory.
The result marks Brighton’s fourth win in five league matches and lifts them into the top half, firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
The game got off to a chaotic start following a delayed kick-off due to a nearby road incident, and the early exchanges reflected that disruption.
Liverpool suffered an early blow when Hugo Ekitike was forced off injured after a collision with James Milner.
Brighton capitalised soon after, with Welbeck heading home from close range following a well-worked move initiated from a throw-in.
Liverpool hit back when a defensive mix-up allowed Kerkez to cleverly chip the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
After the break, Brighton took control.
Liverpool keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was called into action several times, but he could do little to prevent Welbeck from grabbing his second, calmly finishing after good build-up play.
Despite late efforts from Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, Liverpool were unable to find an equaliser, slipping to their 10th league defeat of the season.
Brighton showed composure and quality when it mattered most, particularly in the second half.
Their ability to exploit Liverpool’s fatigue proved decisive, with Welbeck’s clinical finishing capping off a standout performance.
The Seagulls now look like genuine contenders for a European place, with momentum building at a crucial stage of the season.
Liverpool’s struggles persist, especially at the back.
They were repeatedly exposed and have now conceded more goals than in recent campaigns.
Injuries and fatigue have played a role, but inconsistency remains a major concern.
With just one point from their last three league games, their season is in danger of slipping further off course.
