A stunning late goal by Japanese International Kaoru Mitoma time saw Brighton & Hove Albion beat Liverpool 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup, knocking the defending champions out of the competition at the American Express Community Stadium in England.
Brighton featured Evan Ferguson in attack with Danny Welbeck dropping behind the striker in midfield and the in-form Mitoma on the wing. For the visitors, new signing Cody Gakpo started up-front with Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliot on the flanks.
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Salah produced a moment of magic. The Egyptian made a brilliant run through Brighton’s defence and his pass found Elliot, who managed to get the ball past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
Brighton were determined to find its way back into the match and equalised nine (9) minutes later.
A fierce shot from left-back Tariq Lamptey from a corner kick deflected off teammate Lewis Dunk and went past Liverpool goalkeeper Allison, making the scores 1-1.
Both sides made changes in the second half, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bringing on James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Darwin Nunez. Brighton were without midfielder Moises Caicedo and introduced Joel Veltman, Billy Gilmour and Deniz Undav.
The home side defended admirably in a spirited second half performance, before sending the fans in the stadium into a frenzy. During a set-piece in Liverpool’s box late in injury time, the ball fell to Mitoma who bamboozled the on-coming defender Joe Gomes, before firing the ball into the net beyond the reach of Allison to win the game.
Both sides have now met three times this season, with Brighton winning twice at home (2-1 FA Cup, 3-0 Premier League) and drawing once (3-3 at Anfield).
Liverpool will face Wolverhampton next in the Premier League, while Brighton will face Bournemouth at home as they continue their fine start to the 2022/2023 football season.
FA Cup Results
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Liverpool
Stoke City 3-1 Stevenage.
