Liverpool Falls to Brighton 2-1 in Premier League Upset | Kerkez Scores for Visitors
Brighton & Hove Albion secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool in a Premier League match played on , at the Amex Stadium. A brace from Danny Welbeck propelled the Seagulls to a valuable three points, leaving Liverpool searching for answers in a recent slump.
The match began with a setback for Liverpool as forward Jack Hinshelwood was forced off with an injury in the early stages, replaced by Curtis Jones. Despite this disruption, Liverpool sought to build on their recent momentum, having secured a convincing 4-0 win against Galatasaray in the Champions League round of 16, earning them a place in the quarter-finals where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
But, it was Brighton who struck first. In the 14th minute, Diego Gomez delivered a cross that found Danny Welbeck, who headed the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardasvili to provide the home side the lead. Welbeck’s goal marked his 11th of the season, a recent personal best for the veteran striker.
Liverpool responded with urgency, creating several opportunities. Alexis Mac Allister had a header saved by Bart Verbruggen, and Dominik Szoboszlai tested the goalkeeper with a free-kick, but Brighton’s defense held firm. The equalizer arrived in the 30th minute through an unlikely source. Following a Mamardasvili clearance, a misjudged header from Lewis Dunk fell to Milos Kerkez, who expertly chipped the ball over the advancing Verbruggen to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw Brighton regain the initiative. In the 56th minute, a well-placed pass found Jack Hinshelwood, who unselfishly laid the ball off to Welbeck for his second goal of the match, restoring Brighton’s lead. The Seagulls continued to press, with Ferdi Kadioglu and Mats Wieffer both coming close to extending their advantage. Mamardasvili proved crucial for Liverpool, making several key saves to prevent further damage.
As the game entered its final stages, Brighton continued to threaten. Yasin Ayari had a shot blocked by Mamardasvili, and Yankuba Minteh saw his attempt thwarted by the Georgian goalkeeper. Kerkez sustained an injury late in the match, forcing a substitution for Brighton.
Liverpool pushed for a late equalizer, but Brighton’s resolute defense and Mamardasvili’s inspired performance ensured the three points remained with the home side. Szoboszlai’s late free-kick was comfortably saved by Verbruggen, signaling the end of Liverpool’s comeback hopes.
This defeat marks Liverpool’s third consecutive Premier League match without a win, raising questions about their recent form. They had previously suffered a late defeat against Wolves and a draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The result adds further pressure on Arne Slot, whose team is missing key players in Mohamed Salah and Alisson, with the former sidelined due to injury.
The starting lineups reflected these absences, with Mamardasvili replacing Alisson in goal and Cody Gakpo taking Salah’s place in attack. Szoboszlai and Kerkez both featured in the starting eleven for Liverpool.
Brighton’s victory was particularly impressive considering their previous encounters with Liverpool this season. Liverpool had won both previous meetings, 2-0 in the league and 3-0 in the FA Cup, both at Anfield. The match was delayed by fifteen minutes due to traffic congestion, finally kicking off at 13:45 local time.
The early stages of the match were disrupted by an injury to Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood, who collided with James Milner and was unable to continue. The incident highlighted the physical demands of the Premier League and the importance of squad depth.
Szoboszlai was among the first to test the Brighton defense, firing a shot from outside the box, but his effort lacked accuracy. The Hungarian international continued to be a creative force for Liverpool, but Brighton’s organized defense limited their attacking opportunities.
The victory for Brighton demonstrates their growing strength as a Premier League force. Welbeck’s performance, in particular, was a testament to his experience and clinical finishing. For Liverpool, the defeat raises concerns about their consistency and ability to break down well-organized defenses. The absence of key players undoubtedly played a role, but Slot will require to find solutions to address their recent struggles.
Premier League Results – Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Brighton–Liverpool 2–1 (D. Welbeck 14, 56. Kerkez 30)
- Fulham–Burnley (to follow)
- Everton–Chelsea (to follow)
- Leeds–Brentford (to follow)
Premier League Schedule – Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Newcastle–Sunderland (13:00)
- Aston Villa–West Ham United (15:15)
- Tottenham–Nottingham (15:15)
(Cover Image: Liverpool FC/Getty Images)