Late VAR Drama Denies Liverpool Win as Brighton Keep Euro Hopes Alive | OneFootball

Liverpool Stumble as Brighton Fight Back in Five-Goal Thriller at the Amex

Liverpool, already confirmed as Premier League champions, were brought back down to earth by a spirited Brighton side who claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory on the south coast. Despite leading twice in a lively encounter, Arne Slot’s side failed to close the game out as Jack Hinshelwood’s late goal sealed all three points for Brighton and kept their European hopes alive heading into the final weekend of the season.

Photo by IMAGO

In what was a fast-paced, attacking spectacle, the Reds lacked the defensive composure expected of champions, while Brighton showed resolve and quality, particularly in the second half, to produce one of their most significant results of the campaign.

Brighton Keep European Hopes Alive

Brighton’s comeback at the Amex lifted them to eighth in the table — three points above Brentford — with one game remaining. Their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League remain slim, but not impossible. For that to happen, Chelsea must beat Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on 28 May and also finish seventh in the Premier League, or sixth if Newcastle end up seventh.

Regardless of whether Europe is achieved, they can take pride in how they recovered after twice going behind to the champions. Yasin Ayari and Kaoru Mitoma were both on target before substitute Jack Hinshelwood provided the decisive blow late on — his impact immediate and game-changing.

Liverpool’s Defensive Fragility Exposed

It was a strange performance from Liverpool. Arne Slot made several changes to the starting eleven, perhaps with next season in mind, and the Reds showed attacking intent early on. Harvey Elliott opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalising on fine work down the flank from Conor Bradley. It was a slick move, showcasing Liverpool’s ability to transition quickly and finish clinically.

But defensive lapses soon crept in. Brighton equalised through Yasin Ayari, who pounced on a loose ball and drilled a low effort past Alisson. Liverpool restored their advantage when Dominik Szoboszlai found the net from what appeared to be an attempted cross, looping the ball over Bart Verbruggen after a clever quick free-kick with Elliott.

Despite leading at the break, Liverpool failed to control the tempo in the second half. They were too open at the back and couldn’t keep possession in key areas. Brighton’s persistence paid off when Kaoru Mitoma fired home a fine strike to level at 2-2. The match was ultimately decided by a well-executed finish from Hinshelwood in the 85th minute after Matt O’Riley’s inch-perfect cross — a goal initially disallowed but later awarded after a VAR review.

Photo by IMAGO

VAR Adds Late Drama to High-Stakes Clash

There was a moment of tension in the 85th minute when Hinshelwood’s header was initially ruled out for offside. However, VAR correctly intervened, confirming the Brighton man had timed his run to perfection. The goal stood, and Liverpool were left to reflect on a missed opportunity to end their away campaign with a win.

It was a reminder that even the best sides in the division can be undone by defensive fragility and lapses in focus — something Arne Slot will no doubt want to address as he looks to strengthen over the summer.

Focus Turns to Celebrations and Squad Assessment

For Liverpool, this result doesn’t impact their title status, but it may influence Arne Slot’s summer planning. Players like Harvey Elliott and Conor Bradley continued to impress, and the Hungarian Szoboszlai added another goal to his tally, albeit with a touch of fortune.

However, the absence of control in midfield and the inability to see out a match they twice led will concern the coaching staff. With the title already secured, the final weekend against Wolves offers an opportunity to both celebrate and reflect — and for fringe players to stake their claims before summer arrivals inevitably reshape the squad.

Conclusion

Brighton’s 3-2 win over Liverpool serves as a reminder of just how unpredictable the Premier League can be. While Liverpool may already be champions, the hunger and fight shown by Brighton — combined with Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability — turned this into a memorable fixture.

For Slot and his coaching team, the focus will now be on the summer ahead. But for Brighton, the final day brings renewed hope, however slim, of a place in Europe. On Sunday, all eyes will be on what unfolds next.