Welbeck brace sinks Liverpool as Brighton climb to eighth

BRIGHTON: Danny Welbeck scored in each half to give Brighton & Hove Albion a 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, denting the visitors’ hopes of Champions League qualification.

Liverpool stayed fifth on 49 points from 31 games, while Brighton moved up four places to eighth on 43 points, keeping their push for European football alive.

The match started 15 minutes late due to traffic delays affecting Liverpool supporters, but Brighton began brighter. Welbeck opened the scoring with a header, marking his fourth goal in five games.

Liverpool responded through Milos Kerkez, capitalising on a rare error from Brighton captain Lewis Dunk to level the scores. However, Welbeck restored Brighton’s lead in the 56th minute with a close-range tap-in. The goal underwent a VAR check for offside but was ultimately confirmed.

Brighton’s disciplined display and Welbeck’s finishing ensured a deserved victory, leaving Liverpool to regroup as they chase a top-four finish.