Credit: The Brighton Base
Brighton claimed their fourth win from their last five games on Saturday afternoon, beating Liverpool 2-1 at the Amex Stadium.
The victory sees the hosts jump four places in the Premier League standings into eighth, with their hopes of European football very much alive.
Despite a rather dormant start from the Seagulls, they struck first in the 14th minute courtesy of Danny Welbeck. The veteran rose highest to steer his header home after Diego Gomez’s delightful header back across the face of Liverpool’s goal.
It was a moment of horror for Lewis Dunk which allowed the visitors to equalise through Milos Kerkez in the 30th minute. The Brighton skipper’s routine header back to Bart Verbruggen was pounced upon by the Liverpool left-back, who lifted a delicate chip over the onrushing goalkeeper to level the score.
However, the reliable Welbeck struck once more to bag his 12th Premier League goal of the season, a career high for the Englishman. The striker tapped home from close range after being expertly teed up by Jack Hinshelwood.
The Brighton Base reflects on how Hurzeler’s side fared at the Amex Stadium…
**Bart Verbruggen – 8**
The goalkeeper made a series of key saves to play his part in the victory. Despite losing his clean sheet in circumstances largely out of his hands, the Dutchman went on to put in an impressive, assured performance.
**Mats Wieffer – 6**
Despite looking shaky at times in one-on-one scenarios, Wieffer consistently popped up in attack, giving Liverpool defenders another body to track. Booked for a late, tactical foul.
**Jan Paul van Hecke – 8**
The Dutchman was integral in his side holding onto the lead, having made a collection of essential blocks and last-ditch tackles to see out the victory.
**Lewis Dunk – 5**
Brighton’s stalwart has enjoyed better appearances for his boyhood club, having given Liverpool a route back into the game before picking up a yellow in the 85th minute for time-wasting. The booking is his tenth of the campaign, which will therefore see him suspended after the international break.
**Ferdi Kadioglu – 7**
The Turkey international did an excellent job in the first half, containing the pace and energy of Jeremie Frimpong, whilst also bombing forward to make his mark in the final third as well.
**James Milner – 7 (Baleba, 76’)**
A typical steady 76 minutes from the 40-year-old. Tenaciously won back possession throughout, whilst also keeping things simple to steady the ship at times.
**Pascal Gross – 6**
The German enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon in the middle, ticking over alongside Milner to nullify Liverpool on the counter.
**Jack Hinshelwood – 6 (Ayari, 83’)**
Whilst frequently involved going forward, the attacking midfielder had chances to be more influential at times. His assist for Welbeck’s second was a touch of quality, but he blazed over from a clear-cut opening beforehand.
**Diego Gomez – 8 (Veltman, 90’)**
Gomez was present in all things positive in the first half, before deservedly registering an assist for Welbeck’s first goal. Tirelessly tracked back to provide Kadioglu with extra support. Booked.
**Yankuba Minteh – 8 (Mitoma, 76’)**
After a frantic opening 45 minutes, which saw him pick up a yellow card for a late challenge on Cody Gakpo, the winger showed no signs of hiding from the action as he lit up the right wing following the restart. His whipped cross was key in the build-up for Welbeck’s second goal, and he continued to prove a nightmare for the Liverpool defence beyond that point.
**Danny Welbeck – 9 (Rutter, 83’)**
The Englishman couldn’t have had a much better afternoon, aside from picking up a yellow for blocking a free kick. His brace sealed the Seagulls’ victory with what was a typical, well-rounded striker’s display.
**Substitutes**
**Carlos Baleba – 6**
Provided all that was needed of him, the Cameroon international saw out the game quietly but reliably.
**Kaoru Mitoma – 7**
Mitoma’s introduction was electric as he terrorised the makeshift Liverpool backline. Was a constant threat with his mazy runs and bursts of pace.
**Georginio Rutter – 6**
His introduction brought nuisance to the visitors’ defence with his aggressive press and willingness to battle back possession.
**Yasin Ayari – 6**
Saw out the game well and almost carved open a chance late on with some neat footwork.
**Joel Vetlman: N/A**