Liverpool’s journey in the Carabao Cup continued with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton at the AMEX Stadium, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Cody Gakpo’s double strike put Liverpool in control, while Luis Diaz added a crucial third. However, Brighton pushed back fiercely in the final minutes, with goals from Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey nearly completing a comeback. Here’s a closer look at Liverpool’s performance, key moments, and how they clung on to secure their place in the next round.
Cody Gakpo Shines with Two Stunning Goals
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot made significant lineup changes, introducing a mix of youth and experience. Injuries to key players led to eight changes, allowing opportunities for less familiar names, including keeper Vitezslav Jaros. However, it was Cody Gakpo who stood out, continuing his impressive Carabao Cup form with a stellar performance.
After a goalless first half where Liverpool struggled to find clear-cut chances, Gakpo broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from the corner of the box just seconds into the second half. His powerful shot from 20 yards soared past Brighton keeper Jason Steele, putting Liverpool 1-0 up and sparking the Reds’ offensive play.
Just minutes later, Gakpo struck again, capitalizing on a Brighton defensive error. Stealing the ball from Lamptey in his half, Gakpo executed a perfect square pass to Dominik Szoboszlai, who initially misfired but regained possession to pass it back to Gakpo. The Dutchman wasted no time, slamming a shot past Steele at the near post to double Liverpool’s lead. Gakpo’s back-to-back goals showcased his precision and power, leaving Brighton scrambling.
A Close Contest as Brighton Responds
Brighton’s spirited response tested Liverpool’s defense. Simon Adingra’s header, just minutes after Gakpo’s second, forced a fingertip save from Jaros, who turned it onto the post. Moments later, Jaros parried another dangerous effort from Evan Ferguson, showcasing his agility and reflexes.
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, brought in Kaoru Mitoma to bolster their left flank, adding speed and creativity to an already lively Brighton attack. However, it was Adingra’s persistence that finally broke through. Exploiting a rare Liverpool error, Adingra struck from close range, reigniting Brighton’s hopes and putting Liverpool under pressure with the score at 2-1.
Luis Diaz Restores Liverpool’s Lead
Liverpool regained their two-goal advantage in the 85th minute, thanks to a composed finish from Luis Diaz. In a well-coordinated play, Diaz moved into the box, received a pass from Szoboszlai, and skillfully tucked the ball into the near post, catching Steele off-guard. Diaz’s calm, reverse finish showcased his ability to step up when it mattered most, giving Liverpool a 3-1 cushion.
Brighton’s Last-Minute Push and Defensive Lapses
Just as Liverpool seemed to have sealed their victory, Brighton responded with one last push. Tariq Lamptey, who had previously struggled with defensive errors, redeemed himself by firing in a deflected goal, closing the gap to 3-2. Lamptey’s goal in the 90th minute brought the game to a tense finish, with Liverpool nervously defending their lead
As the game entered stoppage time, Brighton’s relentless attack pressured Liverpool’s defense. Arne Slot’s side held firm, but the closing minutes revealed vulnerabilities, especially in the absence of key defenders. Liverpool’s third-choice keeper Jaros made vital saves throughout, while Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, and Curtis Jones added resilience in defense and midfield. The team’s ability to withstand Brighton’s final assault was a testament to their composure under pressure.
Tactical Insights: Slot’s Approach with an Unfamiliar Lineup
With injuries to star forwards like Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, Arne Slot opted for a false nine setup, positioning midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai in more advanced roles. Though it took time for the tactic to yield results, Liverpool’s adaptability paid off, allowing Gakpo to exploit space on the wings.
Slot’s decision to rotate the squad and rest key players like Salah and Alexis Mac Allister allowed him to experiment with new combinations. Gakpo’s performance as a roaming forward added a layer of unpredictability to Liverpool’s attack, which proved crucial against Brighton’s high defensive line. However, Liverpool’s lack of a traditional striker led to a more patient buildup, with the midfielders working to create openings.
Brighton, known for their comeback spirit, almost turned the tide with a dynamic counter-attacking approach, particularly after introducing Mitoma. Hürzeler’s tactics included stretching Liverpool’s defense and targeting Liverpool’s inexperienced players, but Gakpo’s decisive goals and Diaz’s clinical finish were enough to secure the win for Liverpool.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
Liverpool’s narrow 3-2 victory over Brighton sends them into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, but it exposed areas needing attention, particularly defensive consistency. Slot’s men showed resilience, yet the late goals conceded revealed defensive gaps that might require reinforcement in the coming fixtures. The reliance on Gakpo’s brilliance, while effective, also highlights the need for reliable scoring options in Salah and Jota’s absence.
Gakpo’s contribution, however, underscores his emerging role as a pivotal player for Liverpool in domestic cups. With four goals already in the Carabao Cup this season, he has become an integral part of Slot’s plans as Liverpool balances Premier League and cup commitments.
As Liverpool progresses to the quarter-finals, fans anticipate tougher challenges and expect Slot to continue rotating effectively. Brighton, despite the loss, exhibited grit and determination, which will serve them well in their upcoming league rematch with Liverpool. For Slot and Liverpool, the focus now shifts to tightening their defense while maintaining the attacking momentum Gakpo and Diaz displayed.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Brighton was a thrilling spectacle, marked by Cody Gakpo’s powerful brace and a crucial late goal by Diaz. While Brighton showed fight with late goals from Adingra and Lamptey, Liverpool’s resilience saw them through. The Reds now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the quarter-finals, with fans hopeful for another successful Carabao Cup run under Arne Slot.
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