VAR Overturns Offside to Seal Brighton Win Over Premier League Winners | OneFootball

Premier League Champions Undone by Brighton’s Late Show at the Amex

Premier League winners Liverpool fell to a rare defeat on the south coast, as Brighton came from behind twice to seal a memorable 3-2 victory in a thrilling encounter at the Amex Stadium. Despite goals from Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds were unable to hold their lead, and Jack Hinshelwood’s dramatic late header — awarded following a VAR review — proved decisive.

Photo by IMAGO

With the title already wrapped up, Arne Slot’s side had little pressure on them, but their performance showed clear signs of vulnerability. Brighton, meanwhile, had everything to play for, and their spirited display keeps faint hopes of European football alive heading into the final weekend.

Liverpool Start Fast But Fail to Maintain Control

Liverpool began the game brightly and were rewarded within nine minutes. Young full-back Conor Bradley surged forward and picked out Harvey Elliott, who swept home confidently to give the visitors an early lead.

However, Brighton responded swiftly. After sustained pressure, Yasin Ayari levelled the score with a tidy finish, punishing a lapse in Liverpool’s defensive organisation.

Dominik Szoboszlai restored the Reds’ advantage before half-time, albeit in unorthodox fashion. He appeared to be delivering a cross from the right flank after a quick free-kick routine with Elliott, but the ball looped over Bart Verbruggen and into the far corner.

Brighton Rally in Second Half

After the break, Liverpool struggled to match Brighton’s intensity. The Seagulls came out with renewed purpose and began to dominate possession. Their persistence was rewarded when Kaoru Mitoma struck a brilliant equaliser, showing excellent technique to fire past Alisson Becker and make it 2-2.

Brighton’s winner came in the 85th minute. A superb delivery from Matt O’Riley found substitute Jack Hinshelwood, who guided a smart header beyond Alisson. The goal was initially flagged for offside, but VAR confirmed Hinshelwood had timed his run perfectly, sending the Amex into raptures.

Photo by IMAGO

Slot Faces Summer of Reflection

Though the result has no bearing on the title race, it does highlight key areas of concern for Arne Slot. With fringe players getting minutes and some rotation in midfield, Liverpool lacked the composure and structure typically associated with champions. The defence looked shaky, and the midfield was often overrun during Brighton’s waves of pressure.

Slot will be keen to assess his squad thoroughly in the final game of the season and during the summer transfer window. While Liverpool’s title charge has been emphatic, maintaining that dominance next season will require consistency across all areas of the pitch.

Brighton’s European Dream Still Alive

This result lifts Brighton to eighth in the Premier League, and while European qualification remains mathematically challenging, they have at least kept themselves in contention. A lot will depend on other results, including Chelsea’s fate in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on 28 May.

Should the stars align, Brighton could be rewarded for their entertaining, energetic style with a place in Europe. For now, they head into the final day full of belief and pride after defeating the champions.

Conclusion

Liverpool may already be champions, but their late-season form suggests there’s still work to be done. Brighton’s resilience and attacking intent earned them a deserved victory in a game that once again highlighted the Premier League’s unpredictability.

While Liverpool will lift the trophy on the final day, Brighton’s comeback offered a reminder that in this league, every point and every moment still counts.