How the Albion players rated against Liverpool at the Amex Stadium
Two goals from Brighton’s veteran striker Danny Welbeck saw them to a 2-1 victory against Liverpool.
Albion took the lead on 14 minutes as Welbeck netted his 11th Premier League goal of the season. Ferdi Kadioglu delivered a dangerous cross to Diego Gomez, who nodded across goal and Welbeck rose the highest to head beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Premier League champions were level on half an hour as skipper Lewis Dunk's poor back header found Milos Kerkez who expertly lobbed the advancing Bart Verbruggen.
Welbeck missed out on England's 35-man squad this week and he sent a clear message to Thomas Tuchel with his 12th Premier League goal of the season. The dangerous Yankuba Minteh pinged in a fine cross and Jack Hinshelwood's lay-off found Welbeck, who finished well from close range. VAR checked it and Welbeck was just onside.
It’s four wins in five games now for Brighton - full credit to Fabian Hurzeler for a fine turnaround in fortunes and Europe remains a possibility. Here’s how they rated...
Brighton player ratings
Bart Verbruggen - 8: Low save on 21 minutes to deny a Mac Allister header. He was left stranded for the goal after Dunk's poor header. A smart save to deny Jones on 64 minutes and then an even better one to thwart Gakpo with five to go.
Mats Wieffer - 7: Super last ditch tackle to deny Gakpo just after Brighton had scored. A vital intervention and high level performance all around.
Jan Paul Van Hecke - 7: The Dutchman continues to be a consistent performer for the Seagulls. Rarely makes an error and improving all the time with the ball. teams will be after him this summer.
Lewis Dunk - 5: Caught out badly for the goal. Poor decision to try to head back for Verbruggen and Kerkez finished well. He then almost caught out Verbruggen again with a chest back that needed turning around the post. A bit wobbly from the skipper.
Ferdi Kadioglu - 8: Delivered the initial cross for Welbeck's opener. Drove forward well in the second half and forced a save from Mamardashvili.
James Milner - 8: I refuse to believe he's 40. The ex-Red covered so much ground. He tackled, blocked and sound in possession. He's been one of Albion's best players of late. Replaced by Carlos Baleba.
Pascal Gross - 6: The German took up some great positions - particularly in the second half - but his passing just was not quite as crisp as it can be.
Diego Gomez - 7: A clever header back across goal for Welbeck's opener. The Paraguayan is not always a clean as he should be in possession but his pressing and closing down is top notch. Almost netted with a powerfulfreekick on the hour.
Jack Hinshelwood - 7: Played in the advanced midfield position once again. He led the press and was non-stop and provided a lovely assist for Welbeck's second goal. Missed a good chance on 75 minutes after a great run from Mitoma.
Yankuba Minteh - 8: The winger played on the left and had a lively tussle with Frimpong. His cross for Welbeck's second goal was a delight. Caused Liverpool all sorts of issues. Well played!
Danny Welbeck - 8: He's there again. Nice headed finish from Gomez's assist for his 11th PL goal of the season. He added his 12th in the second half after a VAR check. Welbeck for England!
Kaoru Mitoma - 7: Replaced Minteh and immediately made an impact as he set-up a great chance for Hinshelwood after a mazy run.
Carlos Baleba - 7: The Cameroon international replaced Milner on 76 minutes
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