Liverpool collapses as Brighton pulls off dramatic late 3-2 comeback; Reds remain winless since securing the title

BRIGHTON, May 20 — Brighton pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Liverpool on Sunday, handing the newly crowned Premier League champions their third straight match without a win since clinching the title.

Liverpool struck early through Harvey Elliott, but Brighton responded with an equaliser from Yasin Ayari at the Amex Stadium.

Dominik Szoboszlai restored the visitors’ lead just before halftime, only for Kaoru Mitoma to level the score in the second half. Jack Hinshelwood then came off the bench to net the winner with his very first touch, completing Brighton’s dramatic late surge.

Since their dominant 4-0 win over Tottenham on April 27 sealed a record-equalling 20th English title, Liverpool have collected just one point, with defeats to Chelsea and Brighton and a squandered two-goal lead in a draw against Arsenal.

The Reds will lift the Premier League trophy next Sunday at Anfield following their season finale against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. A victory parade through Liverpool is scheduled for the following day.

“Great game of football but not the result we wanted,” manager Arne Slot said post-match. “If you don’t score the third goal, it’s tough to win at this level, especially away from home. We can’t afford to miss chances like we did.”

Slot praised performances from Elliott, who scored and assisted, and Federico Chiesa, who showed flashes of quality after a lengthy layoff. He admitted keeping his squad focused after securing the title had been a challenge. The players recently enjoyed a celebratory trip to Dubai, and Slot himself was spotted partying in Ibiza.

“Did you see me on social media?” he joked when asked about his preparation for the match.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, reportedly set to join Real Madrid this summer, remained on the bench for a second consecutive match, with Conor Bradley stepping in at right-back.

Bradley impressed with his energy and attacking presence, setting up Liverpool’s ninth-minute opener after linking well with Mohamed Salah. The goal marked the first time in club history that Liverpool had scored in every away game of a league season.

Brighton’s Ayari netted the equaliser in the 32nd minute, skipping past Bradley and finishing with precision after a clever lofted pass from Brajan Gruda.

Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s advantage just before the break with a powerful, curling strike from the right that beat Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen — though his surprised reaction suggested it may have been an accidental goal.

Salah, captaining Liverpool in his 300th Premier League appearance, missed a golden chance from five yards out, a miss that proved costly as Brighton struck back.

Danny Welbeck’s shot was parried by Alisson, but Mitoma smashed home the rebound in the 69th minute.

Then, in the 85th minute, Matt O’Riley’s cross found Hinshelwood, who coolly slotted in the winner, sealing a memorable night for Brighton and a rare slip-up for the champions. — AFP