Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 Liverpool
SOLLY MARCH SCORED twice as Brighton inflicted another setback on Liverpool’s stuttering season with a superb 3-0 win.
Substitute Danny Welbeck wrapped up Albion’s victory after March’s quick-fire double early in the second period put them on course for a resounding success.
Jurgen Klopp’s stunned visitors had no response to being outplayed at the Amex Stadium, leaving the Seagulls to leapfrog them into seventh position.
Brighton proved they can still produce their scintillating best without wantaway star Leandro Trossard as they ripped apart the Reds with a sensational display on a memorable afternoon.
The 2020 Premier League champions have now dropped a staggering 26 points this season, with just 18 games gone.
Roberto de Zerbi’s men had the Reds rattled from the outset, benefiting from slick passing, high intensity and a willingness to take risks in possession.
Depleted by injury, Liverpool struggled to gain a foothold in the game and were restricted to opportunities on the counter-attack during a first half in which they failed to register an attempt on target.
Brighton thought the breakthrough moment had arrived four minutes before the break, only for a penalty award to be overturned by VAR after replays showed March was offside prior to being brought down by Alisson.
Albion’s frustrations were alleviated by a rapid start to the second period.
Liverpool initially contributed to their own downfall, conceding possession outside their own penalty area, allowing the lively Mitoma to skip beyond Alexander-Arnold and deliver a low cross for the unmarked March to slot home in the 46th minute.
Klopp’s side had barely regrouped when March doubled the advantage seven minutes later with a fine finish into the right corner from just inside the 18-yard box after being slipped in by Evan Ferguson.
The swift double – March’s first goals at the Amex Stadium since September 2020 – had three sides of the ground rocking.
De Zerbi began his tenure with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Anfield at the start of October.
He described that day as “one of the best moments” of his life and was able to celebrate an even greater occasion as Welbeck sealed Albion’s first home win over Liverpool since 1961 nine minutes from time.
After March’s flick on, the former Manchester United forward expertly lifted the ball over Gomez before thumping a volley beyond Alisson to cap a dominant display.
