Liverpool FC’s hopes of retaining their Premier League crown took a massive tumble as the Merseysiders fell to a 1-0 defeat to Brighton on Wednesday night at Anfield.
A second-half strike from Steven Alzate proved to be the matchwinner for Graham Potter’s outfit and gave the Seagulls the unlikeliest of victories against the reigning champions.
Following the recent win over West Ham United, confidence was high in the Liverpool FC camp but Brighton had other plans, leaving Jurgen Klopp’s men distraught.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The hosts could have taken a very early lead as Jordan Henderson’s brilliant ball from the back found Mohammad Salah’s well-timed run into the box but the latter’s finishing let him down as his effort flew over the Brighton goal.
Despite being outnumbered in terms of ball retention in the opening third of the game by Jurgen Klopp’s men, Brighton fashioned an attack om the 24th minute, which very nearly paid off, only for Dan Burns to skew his shot off target.
Heading into the close of the first half, both teams had been clueless in front of the goal apart from a display of lack of productivity in midfield.
The second half whistle gave Klopp’s side renewed confidence as they sought to secure a third successive win league football and Roberto Firmino did well to have an effort on the Brighton goal but the ever-present Lewis Dunk was there to defy the Brazillian’s shot.
On the other end of the pitch, it was the Seagulls who rejoiced in an emphatic manner, with Steven Alzate’s close-range strike bundling past Caoimhin Kelleher and giving the visitors a hard-earned lead.
The opening goal was a shot in the arm for Graham Potter’s side and a number of chances were soon on the show for Brighton to increase their advantage but Kelleher put out a brilliant display of goalkeeping to keep the scoreline intact.
Defeat at Anfield. #LIVBHA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 3, 2021
Defeat at Anfield could possibly leave Liverpool FC ten points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table should the Citizens win their game in hand and such a turn of events looks very likely to put a major dent in the Reds’ title-defence campaign.
