With this win, Brighton moved up to eighth place in the league table.
Image credit: Sky Sports Premier League
Monday, May 19, 2025 | Premier League Match at American Express Stadium
Final Score: Brighton 3 – 2 Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2.
Even though Liverpool took the lead twice, Brighton refused to give up and scored a late winner that keeps their hopes of playing in European competitions alive.
The winning goal came in the 85th minute from Jack Hinshelwood. He had just come off the bench when he headed in a cross from teammate Matt O’Riley.
The goal was first ruled offside, but after a video review, it was allowed.
How the Match Unfolded
Liverpool took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Harvey Elliott scored after a clever pass from Conor Bradley.
But Brighton answered back in the 32nd minute when Yasin Ayari scored with a low shot after a pass from Brajan Gruda.
Just before halftime, Liverpool made it 2-1.
Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai took a quick free kick, and Szoboszlai’s shot—likely meant as a cross—flew over the Brighton goalkeeper and into the net.
In the second half, Brighton played better and kept pressing.
Their efforts paid off in the 69th minute when Kaoru Mitoma tied the game with a well-placed strike.
Then came the big moment: Hinshelwood scored the winner just 78 seconds after coming onto the field.
The 19-year-old made a big impact right away and was helped by a great cross from O’Riley.
European Hopes Still Alive
With this win, Brighton moved up to eighth place in the league table.
This spot could help them qualify for the UEFA Conference League, but they still need some things to go their way.
For Brighton to qualify:
- Chelsea must beat Real Betis in the Conference League final on May 28
- Chelsea must also finish seventh or sixth in the Premier League
- Newcastle must finish below them if Chelsea ends up sixth
Brighton will play their final match of the season against Tottenham on Sunday.
Liverpool’s Title Party Delayed
Liverpool had already won the Premier League title with four games left, but they haven’t won any of their matches since then.
This loss means they are the first team in Premier League history to go winless in three matches right after winning the title.
Before the game started, Brighton players gave Liverpool a guard of honour to celebrate their championship.
Coach Arne Slot used the game to give some younger players a chance.
Federico Chiesa made his first Premier League start since joining Liverpool from Juventus.
Star defender Virgil van Dijk was rested, and Mohamed Salah was made captain for the first time in a Premier League game.
It was Salah’s 400th game for the club.
Exciting Moments and Big Misses
The game had lots of action. In the first half, Salah made a brilliant flick to set up Bradley’s assist for Elliott’s goal.
Bradley had another chance to score but missed the target. Chiesa also showed some good skills on the wing.
Brighton’s first goal was a team effort finished by Ayari, who had only scored once in his first 32 league games but now has two in his last four.
Szoboszlai’s goal just before halftime gave Liverpool the lead again, but Brighton never gave up.
Mitoma tied the game shortly after coming in, and Hinshelwood’s header won it.
Brighton’s coach, Fabian Hurzeler, made some smart substitutions, including 17-year-old Henry Howell—Hinshelwood’s cousin—who became the youngest player ever for Brighton.
Salah had a big chance to make it 3-1 for Liverpool but missed from close range.
