Bart Verbruggen dire, Kaoru Mitoma incredible – Brighton ratings v Liverpool
Brighton put on a masterclass in the second half to secure all three points with a comeback 3-2 win against Liverpool at the Amex Stadium.
Arne Slot‘s side raced into the lead through Harvey Elliott, who diverted home a fantastic cross from Conor Bradley, only for Yasin Ayari to even up the scores just after 30 minutes.
Dominik Szoboszlai deceived Bart Verbruggen with a wicked cross-turned-shot, but with second-half goals from substitutes Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood, it was a dramatic turnaround for the Seagulls.
Fabian Hurzeler had the last laugh on Monday, 19 May, as his side defeated the Premier League champions.
Hurzeler’s Seagulls come back to stun Arne Slot at the Amex
Bart Verbruggen – 2
Was caught out badly by Szoboszlai, and looked rather unsettled whenever Liverpool won the ball back and attacked quickly.
Mats Wieffer – 7
Made some impressive tackles down the right flank. Considering he was out of position, it was a fine performance from the Dutchman, who even created a chance in the final third.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 5
Failed to cope with the Reds’ fast, lively attack, and was probably lucky not to pick up a yellow card for any of his fouls. Did well aerially, but pace was not his friend.
Adam Webster – 5
Much like his centre-back partner, Webster struggled at times to cope when Liverpool broke on the counterattack, but he remained calm when in possession of the ball.
Pervis Estupinan incredible in Brighton defence
Pervis Estupinan – 7
Extremely creative from the full-back position. Might have even hit the back of the net had he been more accurate with some of his several shots on goal.
Carlos Baleba – 5
Baleba has been linked with Liverpool ahead of the summer, but after a rather quiet display against Slot’s side will not have been the best of auditions if the Reds were debating making a move.
Yasin Ayari (Off for Gomez 73′) – 7
Worked his socks off in the middle of the park, got forward at vital moments, and was rewarded for his hard work with a goal before being substituted for fresh legs.
Yankubah Minteh (Off for Hinshelwood 83′) – 4
Offered very little in the final third. While he made some decent tackles, his performance in the attacking areas left a lot to be desired. Disappointing.
Yasin Ayari sparks the Seagulls’ victory against Liverpool
Brajan Gruda (Off for O’Riley 73′) – 8
Absolutely superb. Created chances a plenty, put his body on the line for all three points, and forced Alisson into multiple saves as Liverpool were defeated.
Simon Adingra (Off for Mitoma 65′) – 6
Far better than his teammate on the opposite wing, creating chances and firing shots at goal.
Danny Welbeck (Off for Howell 84′) – 7
Should have left the Amex Stadium with at least one goal, and having created multiple chances, the former Man United and Arsenal man was a fine leader at the top of the pitch.
Kaoru Mitoma the hero at the Amex Stadium
Substitutes
Kaoru Mitoma (On for Adingra 65′) – 9 – Player of the Match
His incredible touch lit up the Amex Stadium, and so too did his equalising goal in the second half. Such a talented footballer, and one who is a delight to watch.
Matt O’Riley (On for Gruda 73′) – 7
Supplied the assist for the incredible winning goal at the Amex.
Diego Gomez (On for Ayari 73′) – 6
Won duels, made clearances, and did exactly what he was tasked with doing for the remaining few minutes.
Jack Hinshelwood (On for Minteh 83′) – 8
Scored the winner to win all three points for the Seagulls. Impact substitute.
Harry Howell (On for Welbeck 84′) – 6
Very bright display from the youngster. Will be one to keep an eye on for the future.