EPL: Brighton Claim First Win Over Liverpool Since 1984

Defending champions, Liverpool lost 1-0 to a resolute Brighton and Hove Albion side at Anfield on Wednesday night, thanks to an unforeseen second-half goal.

The Reds put up a below-average display to suffer consecutive league loss at home for the first time since 2012, no thanks to lack of imagination in attack and a resolute Brighton defence that blocked everything thrown at it.

Liverpool had their 68-game home run snapped by Burnley last month and it was a repeat of that encounter with Brighton, who came to the game to frustrate the Reds, who have not scored at Anfield since December 2020. They are also winless in three league matches at the stadium.

A dull first half had Liverpool ponderous despite having more possession and fashioning the better openings without hitting the target. The half ended without a shot on target but Brighton wasted the best chance when Dan Burn shot high and wide from 12 yards.

The Seagulls unsurprisingly took the lead against a lethargic Liverpool side in the 56th minute albeit in an unexpected circumstance through Steven Alzete. Burn headed across and Nathan Phillips’ clearance hit Alzete in the back before the ball looped into the net for a 1-0 lead.

Mohamed Salah had been Jurgen Klopp’s most likely player to make something happen for the home side and the Egyptian international striker’s shot flashed just wide after a 12-yard cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Brighton’s defence block everything thrown at it by Liverpool and they nearly doubled their lead with chances in succession but Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool goalkeeper, pushed away Pascal Gross’ shot headed for the bottom corner, blocked Leandro Trossard’s angled drive, and then made comfortable save from Burns’ header.

A resolute Brighton saw off the poor Reds to claim a historic first win over Liverpool since 1984.

Liverpool remain fourth in the EPL standings with 40 points from 22 matches, seven points off leaders Manchester City whom they meet on Sunday.

FT: Liverpool 0-1 Brighton

Brighton have won at Anfield for the first time since 1984! 👏

Liverpool slump to consecutive Premier League home defeats. 😳

Reaction #LIVBHA updates ⤵ #bbcfootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 3, 2021