Brighton knocked champions Liverpool out of the FA Cup thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Karou Mitoma at the Amex Stadium on Sunday night.
Harvey Elliot’s goal in the 30th minute had given Liverpool the lead before Lewis Dunk’s deflected goal from Tariq Lamptey’s goal restored parity nine minutes later.
Back to back wins for Brighton
This was Brighton’s second win in a row over Liverpool following their 3-0 win over the Reds in the Premier League two weeks ago.
Both teams started the match in typical cup tie fashion with things running to and fro. Given Liverpool’s recent struggles, Brighton were listed as pre-match favourites.
The Seagulls have been in fine form in the Premier League, sitting sixth in the standings. However, it was Jurgen Klopp’s side who looked better of both sides, and Mohammed Salah should have given his side the lead in the 25th minute.
The Egyptian striker dragged his shot to inches wide after Elliott passed Salah with a perfect pass.
Salah, however, redeemed himself five minutes later, turning Elliot into provider with a beautiful weighted pass from the right wing.
The 19-year-old Elliot placed his first shot on goal, which hit the outstretched hand of Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele before rolling into the back of the net.
However, Roberto De Zerbi’s side held their own and soon equalized on 39 minutes. After a corner from the left, Lamptey squared his shot which went wide before Dunk received an unlikely deflection that threw the keeper off guard. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker in goal to make it 1-1 before half time.
Brighton came out better from both sides after the restart and should have taken the lead on 55 minutes.
Solly March chested a ball in after some good work from Mitouma, but Pascal Gross was unable to prevent his shot and hit his effort well over the bar for a chance to beg.
Alisson then denied March from just eight yards in the 71st minute with a stunning reflex save that bounced off the Brighton side on his exit.
Mitoma turns in a winning performance.
However, it was Mitoma who scored the winner for Brighton in the 92nd minute with an impressive effort.
Pervis Estupinan’s cross from the far post was well controlled by the Japanese striker before he flicked the ball past Joe Gomez to volley to Alisson.
VAR was consulted to rule out any offside in the build-up, and the goal stood, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, for Liverpool, their season is going south. The Reds are out of the FA Cup and ninth in the Premier League standings, 10 points shy of a Champions League spot and Klopp must sort out the issues with his teams before facing Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League in two weeks.
After the game, Liverpool defender Andy Robertson said: “It’s a bitter disappointment. I thought it was a proper cup tie – through and through, both teams had chances. Today we were a bit better than two weeks ago, but we’re out of the cup at the end of the day; it’s so disappointing.”
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