Brighton & Hove Albion dealt a major blow to Liverpool FC’s top-four ambitions with a 2–1 victory at the Amex Stadium, thanks to a brace from Danny Welbeck.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal FC forward netted twice to cancel out Milos Kerkez’s equaliser, moving Brighton within five points of Liverpool in the Premier League standings.
The game had a slow start after kickoff was delayed by 15 minutes, and early momentum was disrupted further when Hugo Ekitike was forced off injured.
Liverpool, coming off a strong midweek European performance, failed to replicate that intensity and were punished early.
Brighton took the lead when Ferdi Kadıoğlu delivered a cross that found Welbeck, who calmly finished to register his 11th league goal of the season.
Liverpool responded with increased pressure but lacked cutting edge in attack. They eventually drew level after a defensive mistake from Lewis Dunk allowed Kerkez to capitalise and chip Bart Verbruggen.
The hosts returned stronger after the break and restored their lead through Welbeck, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by Yankuba Minteh.
The goal stood following a lengthy VAR review.
Liverpool struggled to mount a comeback, creating limited clear chances, with Cody Gakpo coming closest. Brighton could have added more goals but comfortably saw out the win.
The victory lifts Brighton into eighth place, while Liverpool risk falling further behind in the race for a top-four finish after a disappointing outing.