Liverpool’s defense of the Carabao Cup continued with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium.
Also Read: EFL Cup Match Report! Brighton vs Liverpool Match Update, News and Scores (30th October, 2024)
The match ignited in the second half, with all five goals coming after the break. Cody Gakpo starred for the Reds, netting a brace, while Luis Diaz added another goal, propelling Liverpool into the quarter-finals of the competition.
Brighton started brightly, creating an early chance in the 13th minute when Tariq Lamptey broke through on goal but was thwarted by Liverpool’s full debutant, Viteszlav Jaros.
The Reds quickly responded, with Gakpo coming close to scoring. The visitors nearly found the net when Andy Robertson’s pullback led to Dominik Szoboszlai’s saved shot, followed by Diaz’s header going wide.
As the first half neared its end, Robertson was denied a crucial goal by Brighton’s goalkeeper, Jason Steele, who made a fantastic save with his boot.
The game erupted in the second half, with Liverpool taking the lead just after the restart. Gakpo cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot into the far corner, giving Liverpool a 1-0 advantage.
Brighton applied pressure, and Jaros made a stunning fingertip save to keep out Simon Adingra’s header shortly after.
The Reds nearly squandered a three-on-one chance when Szoboszlai failed to convert, but Gakpo soon doubled Liverpool’s lead with another sharp finish into the near corner.
Brighton responded when Adingra capitalized on a mistake by Jarell Quansah to reduce the deficit.
However, Diaz quickly restored Liverpool’s two-goal cushion, showing determination to cut inside and finish at the near post.
Brighton managed to score again through a deflected shot from Lamptey, but Liverpool held on under late pressure, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players:
Vitezslav Jaros – 8
Jaros showcased impressive footwork early on and made a crucial stop from Lamptey. He followed up with a stunning save from Adingra’s header to keep Liverpool in front.
Although he might feel he could have done better on the goal that led to Adingra’s effort, he was key in preserving the win.
Conor Bradley – 6
Bradley made an early cross but primarily focused on his defensive duties. He ventured forward more in the second half, though he had a moment of naivety with a foul in a dangerous area.
He faced challenges against Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma after his introduction.
Jarell Quansah – 5
Quansah was solid in the first half but his heavy touch led to Brighton’s goal, marking him as culpable. He made a crucial block against Mitoma late in the game, but a deflection from Lamptey’s shot added pressure for a nervy finish.
Joe Gomez – 6
Gomez had little to do in the first half, but may regret letting Lamptey get away from him.
Andy Robertson – 6
Robertson provided a valuable outlet on the flank in the first half and came close to scoring. He struggled defensively in the second half against Lamptey’s pace but made a vital clearance at the back post.
Wataru Endo – 6
Endo worked hard in the first half, starting the move for Szoboszlai’s big chance. He received a booking early in the second half and was substituted in the 64th minute.
Tyler Morton – 7
Morton showed bravery on the ball and assisted Gakpo’s opener with a delightful pass. He won possession several times and was substituted in the 64th minute.
Curtis Jones – 6
Jones committed a few fouls but was generally economical in possession, showing drive at times in a challenging role.
Luis Diaz – 7
Diaz was less impactful on the right flank initially but improved in the second half, ultimately sealing the victory with a well-taken goal.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Szoboszlai missed a crucial chance to score but contributed to the attack by dropping deep for the ball. He worked hard but couldn’t capitalize on a one-on-one situation and was substituted in the 71st minute.
Cody Gakpo – 9
Gakpo was Liverpool’s standout performer, trying to unsettle Brighton from the outset. He broke the deadlock less than a minute into the second half and added another goal, cementing his place as a key player in the victory.
He was substituted in the 71st minute.
Substitutes
Trey Nyoni (for Morton) – 7
Nyoni provided a lively performance after coming on.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Endo) – 6
Mac Allister kept possession when needed.
Mo Salah (for Gakpo) – 6
Salah did not make a significant impact during his time on the pitch.
Darwin Nunez (for Szoboszlai) – 6
Nunez also struggled to influence the game after his introduction.
Ibrahima Konate – N/A
Did not play enough minutes to receive a rating.
Liverpool’s win has set them up for an exciting quarter-final match as they look to defend their title in the Carabao Cup.
