An injury-time goal from Kaoru Mitoma sent Brighton into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the expense of holders Liverpool.
The sides looked all set for an Anfield replay approaching the final minutes of a contest that had earlier seen a Harvey Elliott opener quickly cancelled out by Lewis Dunk.
However, Mitoma produced a smart finish at the death to secure a second Seagulls win over Jurgen Klopp’s side in just two weeks.
It also likely ended any realistic hopes of the Reds lifting a trophy this season, just as matter of months after they came agonisingly close to a quadruple success.
Brighton vs. Liverpool result
1H 2H Final
Brighton 1 1 2
Liverpool 1 0 1
Goals:
LIV — Elliott — 30th min
BRI — Dunk — 39th min
BRI — Mitoma — 92nd min
Reds can cling to positives
As this game entered its 90th minute, it looked like Liverpool were heading for another creditable result with useful confidence-boosting properties as they continue to try and turn their season around.
Yet, while the concession of that late winner will change perceptions, Klopp has little choice but to cling to the positives from a painful defeat.
The main upside was the vast improvement in the Reds’ defensive structure compared to a 3-0 defeat (and it could have been more) at this very stadium just two weeks ago.
If Liverpool can continue in this vein then they will start to win games more frequently going forward, even if that is unlikely to mean much in this most disappointing of seasons.
Bajcetic shows worth again
One major reason for the Reds’ recent improvement, particularly in the centre of the park, is the emergence of teenager Stefan Bajcetic as a genuine option.
The Spaniard was once again hugely impressive here, snapping into challenges and using the ball intelligently in tight areas to neuter the Brighton press.
The value of his contribution was perhaps best underlined by the performance of the woefully off-it Fabinho during a late cameo that should have seen him sent off.
Bajcetic is now Klopp’s first-choice No.6 for one reason: he is a far better option there than any of his more senior colleagues.
Brighton’s dream season continues
Of course, while most of the focus will be on Liverpool seeing hopes of winning another major trophy go up in smoke, it is only fair to give Brighton their dues.
This game proved that their win over the Reds last time out was no fluke, even if they did not find it quite as easy to cut through their opponents in this latest meeting.
Many would have feared for the Seagulls after they lost Graham Potter to Chelsea, but it seems they have in fact improved under Roberto Di Zerbi.
There isn’t a side in England who will be happy to draw them in the next round.
Brighton vs. Liverpool as it happened, highlights
FULLTIME: All over at the Amex and Brighton march into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the holders’ expense thanks to that moment of late drama.
90th min (+2): GOAL! Mitoma has won it for Brighton!!!!!!
The hosts deliver a free-kick to the far post where Estupinan loops it back across to Mitoma and it’s unbelievable feet from the Japanese to cut inside with a bouncing ball and poking it high into the roof of the net.
VAR checks a possible offside for Estupinan but he is on and the goal stands.
Note: This article is taken from sportingnews.com
