‘Credit to Brighton’ – Slot admits quality undid Liverpool in 3-2 defeat | OneFootball

Arne Slot was full of praise for the spectacle but lamented Liverpool’s defensive lapses after watching his side fall to a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion in their final away game of the Premier League season.

The newly crowned champions twice led at the Amex Stadium through Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai, but were pegged back by goals from Yasin Ayari, Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood’s late winner five minutes from time.

Speaking after the match, Slot described it as a “great game of football” between two sides intent on winning. He praised Brighton’s quality in the build-up to their second and third goals, calling Mitoma’s assist “a great moment” and admitting there were “many of those” throughout the match.

While Liverpool have already wrapped up the title, Slot made it clear his team were still focused on delivering strong performances. “Both teams wanted to play, wanted to win – no time-wasting, no tumbling. Just football,” he said.

The Dutchman handed Federico Chiesa a first Premier League start and was encouraged by the Italian’s display in a central role. “He did more than I could expect. He had a big chance and worked hard,” Slot said. “If you’ve been out for so long and perform like this away to Brighton, it’s impressive.”

Chiesa’s sharp link-up nearly produced a goal for Conor Bradley early on and Slot revealed the forward’s eye for goal was part of the thinking behind deploying him as a No.9.

Despite the defeat, Slot dismissed suggestions he had learned anything new about his team. “After 10 months, that would be strange,” he said. “What I did see again was how close the margins have been all season.”

He acknowledged Liverpool’s consistency had been key to winning the title, but contrasted their campaign with Manchester City’s recent dominant title runs. “We didn’t win like City, going 4-0 up and cruising. We’ve had to fight in every game. That’s why this title is such a big compliment to the players.”

Slot also backed Mohamed Salah after a frustrating night in front of goal, calling him “almost un-human” this season and confident the Egyptian will return to scoring form quickly.

And on Szoboszlai’s clever strike, he said it was no fluke. “We tell him to use his shot more. In training, he scores from every angle.”

The result, while meaningless in terms of standings for Liverpool, was a boost for Brighton, who moved into eighth place and kept their European hopes alive heading into the final day.