Brighton & Hove Albion have managed to knock defending FA Cup champions Liverpool out of the competition in Sunday’s fourth round match at the Amex Stadium. Japan international Kaoru Mitoma was the hero for the Seagulls as his last-minute goal sealed the win for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
After a slow start underneath former Shakhtar Donetsk manager De Zerbi, Brighton are currently in decent form at all fronts, eliminating Arsenal from the EFL Cup as well as thrashing the likes of Chelsea, Everton, and Liverpool in the league.
Fresh off a 3-0 demolition job of the Reds in the Premier League, both Brighton and Liverpool came into blows once again on Sunday for a ticket to this year’s FA Cup fifth round.
Jurgen Klopp’s men took the lead in the 30th minute after Harvey Elliott managed to latch onto a Mohamed Salah ball to fire home past Brighton goalie Jason Steele.
However, nine minutes later Brighton found themselves level, Lewis Dunk managing to react the quickest to a Tariq Lamptey shot being deflected away by Alisson to beat the Brazilian custodian with a powerful shot that restored parity.
Despite losing Leandro Trossard to Arsenal and on the verge of allowing Moises Caicedo to leave for the Gunners, Brighton remained strong and resolute, braving some serious Liverpool pressure in the second half.
Eventually Brighton’s persistence paid off in the 2nd minute of injury time. A Pervis Estupinan cross was excellently received by Mitoma, with the former Kawasaki Frontale player proceeding to flick the ball above both Joe Gomez and Alisson, sealing the win and passage into the next round for Brighton.