Danny Welbeck scored twice as Brighton defeated Liverpool 2-1, damaging the visitors' chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League. The 35-year-old striker now has 12 Premier League goals this season, making him the highest-scoring Englishman in the division and surpassing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was selected ahead of him for England's upcoming friendlies.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler praised Welbeck's all-round contribution, saying: "Even more important for a team is how he functions as a connector. He's always there to connect the different ages, to connect the different cultures we have in our team. To be there as a social leader." Hürzeler added that if England want to achieve something at the World Cup, Welbeck's attitude would definitely help.
Liverpool's defeat was their 10th in the Premier League this season, a tally not seen since the 2014-15 campaign. Manager Arne Slot blamed injuries for disrupting momentum after a strong Champions League win over Galatasaray. "As has happened so many times this season, after we've played a good game, we couldn't bring that level again," he said.
Brighton's first goal came after Curtis Jones misplaced a pass and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili overhit a ball to Ibrahima Konaté, who let it run under his foot. Diego Gómez headed a deep cross back across goal, allowing Welbeck to score from close range. The second goal saw Jack Hinshelwood unmarked at the back post, with Welbeck again left free to turn in Yankuba Minteh's cross.
Liverpool's only goal came from a Lewis Dunk error, as the Brighton defender headed a long ball backwards without checking, allowing Milos Kerkez to flick it over Bart Verbruggen. Slot confirmed that striker Hugo Ekitiké, who limped off early, has a dead leg and could play again soon. The result leaves Liverpool's top-five hopes in jeopardy.
