Liverpool’s disappointing domestic run continued as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Reds, the reigning Cup champions, had lost 3-0 to the Seagulls earlier this month in the league, and turned in another ordinary performance here at the Amex as goals from Lewis Dunk and Kaoru Mitoma saw the visitors crash out of the competition.
Liverpool took the lead through Harvey Elliott in the 30th minute but Brighton were back on level terms nine minutes later, with Tariq Lamptey’s long range effort deflected in by Lewis Dunk. Mitoma’s superb finish in second half stoppage time saw the Seagulls win 2-1 and book their spot in the fifth round of the competition.
Brighton could have won it earlier had Evan Ferguson and Solly March both not wasted good chances from close range. The former was unmarked in the box, but his shot was blocked on the line by Trent Alexander Arnold, while the latter was denied by Alisson Becker.
Liverpool had a couple of half chances, with Mo Salah and Naby Keita both coming close, but struggled to score after the interval, especially after the introduction of their substitutes.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will now travel to Wolves for their next game while Brighton will host Bournemouth.
