Kaoru Mitoma scored in stoppage time as Brighton knocked holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a stunning victory at the Amex.
With the game headed for a draw, Japan winger Mitoma produced a brilliant piece of control before firing home from close range to stun the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who were beaten 3-0 at the Seagulls two weeks ago, took the lead midway through the first half when Harvey Elliott headed into the bottom corner from Mohamed Salah’s pass after a quick break.
However, Brighton equalized when Tariq Lamptey’s shot deflected off Lewis Dunk and into the back of the net.
It looked like a replay at Anfield would be needed to decide the tie before Mitoma stepped up to grab another big result for Brighton.
Seagulls continue to defy expectations
It’s a testament to the impressive work Seagulls boss Roberto Di Zerbi has done since his appointment that you couldn’t be sure which team was the favorite going into this match.
Liverpool won the FA Cup last season but endured a difficult campaign and went into the game as bottom of the Premier League table – ninth while Brighton are sixth.
The hosts impressively swept past the Reds on January 14 and clearly fancied another victory against them as they showed belief and confidence in the game.
Great defending from Dunk stopped what initially looked like a certain goal for Salah, while Eoin Ferguson then cleared a shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold off the line.
The hosts went ahead after the break and were rewarded for another hard-working display with Maitoma’s late winner, although the home fans’ celebrations were delayed as a possible offside was checked by the video assistant referee before the goal was awarded. .
Mitoma is the latest star to emerge at Brighton, continuing to impress despite losing Leandro Trossard to Arsenal earlier this month and with Moises Caicedo ruled out of the game after the Gunners bid.
Season of disappointment continues for Liverpool.
A year ago there was talk of Liverpool possibly winning four trophies in one season as they found themselves fighting for honors in the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup.
In the end they finished with two, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, but are in danger of closing this season without anything as they struggle to find the consistent high-level performances they have shown in previous campaigns. are
Liverpool certainly looked better than on their previous visit to the Amex, with their counters a constant threat to Brighton in the first half, while Cody Gakpo showed promising signs of developing a rapport with Salah.
But in the end they didn’t threaten the Seagulls’ goal enough as they finished with just two shots on target, while they were lucky to go down to 10 men after Fabinho injured Ferguson with a nasty foul. It did not decrease.
Liverpool still have time to finish in the Premier League’s top four and win the Champions League, but they will need much better production.
