Liverpool fans were treated to a rollercoaster ride as the Reds emerged victorious in a 3-2 thriller against Brighton in the EFL Cup, progressing to the fifth round in a nail-biting encounter at the Amex.
This closely contested clash saw Liverpool open the scoring early in the second half and build a comfortable lead, only for Brighton to claw their way back and push Liverpool to the edge in stoppage time.
However, with resilience and a bit of luck, Liverpool held on to secure their place in the next round of the tournament.
The first half was filled with tension and anticipation, yet neither side could break the deadlock. Liverpool, looking to assert themselves as defending champions, struggled to find the finishing touch, while Brighton pushed forward with purpose, keeping the reds’ young goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros on his toes.
As the second half began, the reds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Cody Gakpo capitalized on a well-placed pass from Tyler Morton and unleashed a powerful shot across goal into the top-right corner, leaving Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele rooted to the spot.
Less than 20 minutes later, Gakpo doubled his and team’s lead. This time, he outmuscled Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey in the box, positioning himself perfectly to deliver a fierce low strike past Steele and into the bottom corner.
This clinical finish not only showcased Gakpo’s precision but also boosted Liverpool’s confidence as they looked poised to finish off Brighton and move comfortably into the fifth round.
Can we talk about this fantastic finish from Cody Gakpo
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 30, 2024
Brighton’s Late Comeback Sparks Drama
Just as the reds seemed to be cruising, Brighton found a glimmer of hope, capitalizing on a Liverpool mistake. A wayward pass from young defender Jarell Quansah was pounced upon by Evan Ferguson, who struck from the edge of the box.
Although Jaros managed to parry the initial shot, Simon Adingra was quick to react, slotting the rebound into the far corner. This goal, just 10 minutes from full-time, energized Brighton and set the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Only moments later, Luis Diaz restored Liverpool’s two-goal advantage with a composed finish through a crowded box. Diaz showed exceptional skill in controlling a loose ball, creating space to drill his shot in off the post, making it 3-1 to Liverpool.
Brighton, however, was far from done. Barely five minutes passed before Lamptey struck for the Seagulls, firing a deflected shot into the bottom corner after a scramble in the opponent’s box. With the score now at 3-2, Brighton poured forward, pushing Liverpool’s defense to the brink in stoppage time.
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Liverpool’s Resilience Tested in Nail-Biting Finish
As stoppage time began, the reds’ hold on the game was far from certain. With five additional minutes on the clock, Brighton continued to launch attacks, with Steele even venturing forward in a desperate bid to find an equalizer.
The reds’ Ibrahima Konate, substituted late to bolster the defense, received an immediate yellow card for a tussle with Danny Welbeck, a sign of Brighton’s relentless pressure.
In the final minutes, a clearance from Liverpool’s Conor Bradley nearly gifted Brighton another chance, but Kaoru Mitoma was flagged offside, allowing Liverpool to breathe a sigh of relief.
The Reds held their nerve in the dying seconds to see out the match and keep their dreams of retaining the EFL Cup alive. Despite being outperformed on expected goals (xG) – with Brighton’s 1.33 slightly edging Liverpool’s 1.24 – Liverpool’s composure and clinical finishing proved decisive.
Liverpool’s Title Defense Marches On
This narrow victory highlights both the reds’ attacking strength and their vulnerability under pressure. The Reds’ journey in the EFL Cup has been eventful, with victories like their emphatic 5-1 win over West Ham contrasting with tonight’s nail-biting contest.
Manager Arne Slot’s decision to make eight changes from Liverpool’s previous fixture against Arsenal added fresh legs but also increased the challenge for this young lineup. Still, key performances from Gakpo, Morton, and Diaz showed the depth and potential within Liverpool’s squad.
For Brighton, the fourth round has proven a frustrating barrier, as they exit the competition at this stage for the sixth consecutive time.
Despite their best efforts and a spirited comeback, manager Fabian Hurzeler’s side will need to focus on consistency and capitalize on chances if they are to progress further in future campaigns.
Adingra and Lamptey were particularly effective on the night, providing constant threats down the flanks and testing Liverpool’s backline until the very end.
Brighton’s Positives and Liverpool’s Defensive Questions
Although Brighton fell short, they displayed impressive resilience, especially in the closing stages.
With two goals in the final 10 minutes, the Seagulls showed their ability to rally under pressure, an encouraging sign as they turn their attention back to the Premier League. Liverpool, on the other hand, will need to address their defensive lapses.
Quansah’s error leading to Brighton’s first goal and the chaotic defensive scramble that allowed Lamptey’s strike exposed some areas for improvement.
Despite the presence of seasoned defenders like Robertson and Gomez, the Reds occasionally faltered in dealing with Brighton’s high press and quick transitions.
