Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat in the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League clash on Saturday 21 March, 2026 at American Express Stadium in Sussex.
And it was former Manchester United forward, Danny Welbeck, that inflicted the pain on Arne Slot’s Reds with his brace.
Welbeck’s double came on both sides of the showdown to hand the Seagulls maximum points on home ground.
Before the game could bring any clear pattern, the visitors were forced to make a change early as forward, Hugo Ekitike, received a knock; the Frenchman was unable to continue and was replaced by Curtis Jones.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s early effort for Liverpool with a shot went over the bar, not long after that, the hosts went in front in the 14th minute through Welbeck.
Diego Gomez headed a deep cross into the box back across goal and the ball then located the Englishman, who headed into the net.
The Reds fought back and responded by taking control of possession, and Argentine midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister forced Seagulls goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, to make his first save of the match.
On the half hour mark, Liverpool levelled through Milos Kerkez.
The visitors charged to take the lead before the break, but, Florian Wirtz’ low shot was saved by Verbruggen in the last stages of the first half.
Liverpool kicked the second half on the front foot, however, it was Brighton that threatened with two (2) quick chances.
In the 56th minute, the home side went back in front through Welbeck; Yankuba Minteh delivered a low ball from the left side that met Jack Hinshelwood, who touched the ball back into the six-yard box for Welbeck to net. The former Arsenal forward’s goal was confirmed by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after a lengthy halt.
Slot’s men hustled for a leveller with Mac Allister’s free header from a corner ball fly wide of the mark, and on the other corner, Brighton’s Gomez forced Mamardashvili into a crucial save from a free-kick.
Jones’ effort after turning and shooting low inside the box was saved by Verbruggen.
