Brighton & Hove Albion’s hopes of European qualification received a massive boost on Monday evening after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Premier League champions Liverpool at the Amex Stadium. Substitute Jack Hinshelwood, only 20 years old, was the unlikely hero, scoring a late winner that kept the South Coast club’s dream of continental football alive.
Introduced in the 84th minute, Hinshelwood needed just one minute to make his mark. Latching onto Matt O’Riley’s incisive pass, he coolly finished to send the home fans into raptures. Although initially ruled offside, a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, awarding Brighton the goal and the three precious points that moved them to 58 points, three clear of Brentford and Fulham in the race for eighth place.
Hinshelwood expressed his joy after the game: “Coming off the bench, I wanted to make a great impact and work my hardest. When the ball came across, it sat up perfectly and I tapped it in. The wait for VAR was nerve-wracking, but once it was given, it was pure relief.”
Liverpool Strike Early but Brighton Respond
Liverpool, already crowned champions since April 28, struck first with a slick attacking move in the ninth minute. Harvey Elliott finished off the sequence from close range, capping a beautiful team play that highlighted the Reds’ attacking quality despite having nothing tangible left to play for this season.
However, Brighton showed resilience and refused to be overawed by the early setback. Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari provided the equaliser in the 32nd minute with a composed finish, leveling the match and reigniting the energy of the home side and their fans. But their joy was short-lived.
In first-half stoppage time, Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s lead with an audacious cross-shot that deceived Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, sailing over his head and nestling into the far corner. The champions led 2-1 at halftime, but Brighton were not done yet.
Second-Half Substitutions Spark Seagulls’ Revival
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler made game-changing substitutions after the break, and they proved decisive. The introduction of Japan international Kaoru Mitoma in the 64th minute injected urgency and flair into the attack. Just four minutes after coming on, Mitoma capitalized on a rebound from a Danny Welbeck shot to make it 2-2 with a deft finish under pressure.
Though Welbeck had several opportunities to score himself, his efforts ultimately contributed to Brighton’s attacking persistence. Liverpool, who appeared to lack motivation since clinching the title, struggled to cope with Brighton’s increasing intensity and energy in the final third.
Mitoma’s impact was vital in tilting momentum in Brighton’s favour, and his link-up play with Welbeck and O’Riley stretched Liverpool’s backline repeatedly. Hürzeler’s tactical bravery paid off handsomely as his side took control of the second half.
European Race Alive but Out of Their Hands
With one game left to play, Brighton sit in eighth place with 58 points from 37 matches. Their final league position could be enough for a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League—but only if Chelsea win that competition to unlock an extra English berth. It’s a slim but still very real possibility.
Brighton’s final game of the campaign sees them travel to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur, who are also battling for European qualification. The stakes will be high, and the Seagulls will need to summon similar spirit and resolve to earn a result and keep their hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will wrap up their season at home to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, where they will be officially presented with the Premier League trophy. Despite the loss, the mood at Anfield will be celebratory.
Reactions: Relief for Brighton, Regret for Reds
Brighton’s young match-winner Hinshelwood earned plaudits for his cool finish and calm presence under pressure. “It’s a dream come true to score a goal like that in such a big game. Hopefully, we’ve done enough to keep our European hopes alive,” he said.
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who opened the scoring, remained positive in defeat. “You try not to get too carried away with the celebrations. We’ve worked really hard through the season… we want to win and enjoy it,” he said. “We need to take the positives [from this game] and take it into the final match.”
Though Liverpool have nothing more to prove this season, Brighton’s hunger and determination proved too strong. In a season of ups and downs, the Seagulls gave their fans one more unforgettable night—and possibly one more European adventure to dream about.
