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Attendance: 30,634
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Premier League
Dec 2, 2017 at 3pm UK
 
Liverpool logo

1-5

Murray (51' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-2)
Can (30'), Firmino (32', 48'), Coutinho (87'), Dunk (89' og.)

Live Commentary: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-5 Liverpool - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage as Liverpool move into fourth spot in the Premier League table with a 5-1 over Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.

After Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Stoke City, Liverpool head into the clash at the Amex Stadium sitting in fifth place in the standings and within touching distance of a place in the top four.

Brighton have failed to win in their last three outings, but Chris Hughton will be delighted to head into their meeting with the Merseyside giants in 10th position and seven points above the relegation zone.

The teams are meeting in a league game for the first time since 1983, although there have been six cup matches between then and today's fixture.


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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. Brighton will be more pleased with their season than Liverpool currently are, but the Merseyside giants have the chance to move into the top four of the table ahead of Arsenal's meeting with Manchester United later today. Let's see who Chris Hughton and Jurgen Klopp have selected in their starting lineups...

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION XI: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, Brown, Gross; Murray

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION SUBSTITUTES: Krul, Goldson, Schelotto, Kayal, Izquierdo, March, Hemed


LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Can, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Coutinho, Salah, Firmino

LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES: Karius, Klavan, Grujic, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane, Solanke, Sturridge


Let's start with the home side, with Brighton making two changes from the team which started the game with Crystal Palace in midweek. Gaetan Bong returns at left-back, while Isaiah Brown is handed a rare starting role on the flank.

Bong will be making his seventh start of the season, but Brown will be featuring from the first whistle for just the third time since his loan move from Chelsea. Dropping out of the side are Markus Suttner and Jose Izquierdo, with Suttner not featuring in the 18-man squad and Izquierdo moving to the bench.

Glenn Murray has retained his place in the starting lineup, despite failing to back up his previous run of four goals in three matches. The veteran has failed to score in his last three outings. Tomer Hemed will be hoping to get a chance from the bench having only played 32 minutes of football since scoring the winning goal against Newcastle United in September.

Baram Kayal is also among the replacements having not featured since the end of April. The Israeli midfielder remained an unused substitute against Palace on Tuesday night, but the 29-year-old - a key man during last season's promotion campaign - will hope to make his Premier League bow this afternoon.

As for Liverpool, Klopp has made six alterations from the team which got the better of Stoke City on Wednesday night. It's all change in various areas of the pitch but the most notable selection is Emre Can, who takes his place in the centre of defence due to Joel Matip's injury. There is also just a second Premier League start for Andrew Robertson.

Joe Gomez has not been named in the 18-man squad, so Trent Alexander-Arnold is selected at right-back. Further forward, Jordan Henderson and James Milner both take their place in midfield and as expected, Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah will both start in attack having only been named among the replacements at the Bet365 Stadium.

Ragnar Klavan is on the bench as a result of Can switching positions, while Klopp has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sadio Mane, Dominic Solanke and Daniel Sturridge all being kept in reserve. Adam Lallana again misses out as he continues his recovery from injury.

RESULT! Liverpool would have had a passing interest in Chelsea's game with Newcastle United, and the Blues have ran out 3-1 winners at Stamford Bridge. It means that Chelsea move level on points with second-place Manchester United and that Liverpool are unable to move level on points with the West Londoners with a win at the Amex Stadium.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here.


Chris Hughton has rightly received plenty of praise for how Brighton have fared since gaining promotion from the Championship and the Seagulls were a tad unfortunate to succumb to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United last weekend. However, the south-coast outfit have now failed to win in their last three matches and while they still sit comfortably in mid-table, there is an increasing need to get another win on the board.

Murray has been hitting the headlines for his goals, but Brighton's star man this season has undoubtedly been Pascal Gross, who has contributed three goals and five assists since arriving at the Amex in the summer. Murray has previously spoken about Gross's satisfaction from setting up his teammates, but the German could do with adding to his tally today with Brighton having failed to net in their last two matches.

While Gross and Murray have impressed in the final third, the trio of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and centre-backs Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk have been excellent at the other end. Not only have they started every match, Brighton have shipped just 14 goals in 14 games. Brighton have also kept five clean sheets this season, which is a fine effort.

At the start of the season, many tipped Brighton for relegation and insisted that they could only survive should they record the majority of their points at home. However, while Brighton have gone six games without defeat at the Amex - their only setback coming against Manchester City on the opening weekend of the campaign - four of the last six games have ended in stalemate. Only West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United have been defeated in front of their own supporters.

Let's turn our attentions to Liverpool, who have started to turn around their inconsistent start to the season. A heavy defeat to Tottenham Hotspur left the Merseyside giants well off pace but since October 22, Liverpool have recorded 13 points from five matches in the top flight, with the only dropped points coming against Chelsea last weekend. For all their criticism, Klopp's side are in a good place right now but they have to keep that going in matches such as this one.

Mohamed Salah is deserving of his frequent praise at the moment but on the flip side, little is being made of Roberto Firmino enduring a poor campaign in the league. The Brazilian has provided just three goals and two assists in 13 outings this season and while he adds plenty to this Liverpool attack, he must start returning his manager's faith.

Throughout this week, there has been more speculation regarding the future of Emre Can, who appears to be edging towards a future move to Juventus. However, all eyes will be on the German today as he drops back into the centre of defence to fill in for Matip and Klavan. It's a risky move from Klopp, but one he may feel forced into given the club's issues at centre-back. Can is also one yellow card away from a suspension so that is one to keep an eye on, too.

HEAD TO HEAD! Today's match represents the 26th time in which these two teams have faced each other in a competitive game, with Liverpool claiming 13 wins to just the four victories for Brighton. There have been cup ties which have taken place in recent memory, but today's contest is the first league encounter for 34 years.

Liverpool are not making their first visit to the Amex, with a League Cup tie having been staged back in September 2011. The Reds won that game thanks to goals from Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt, but only Lewis Dunk was named in either squad back then and still features today. How times change in football...

PREDICTION! This match is difficult to call. While Liverpool have been in free-scoring form, Brighton have already proven this season that they are not overawed when facing the big sides. We expect it to be tight, but we are going for a 2-1 win for Liverpool, with one of their attacking quartet netting a winner from the bench.

There's plenty of football being played all over Europe this afternoon so if you would like to follow more than just the showdown between Brighton and Liverpool, click here for all of the latest scores elsewhere.

The two teams have made their way out at the Amex Stadium. A reminder of the team news here...

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION XI: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, Brown, Gross; Murray

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Can, Moreno; Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Coutinho, Salah, Firmino


KICKOFF! We are underway on the south coast!

As you can imagine, the Amex is rocking. It's the first time that a top-six club has travelled to the ground since Manchester City on the opening day of the season. These are the occasions which the supporters have been longing for since promotion.

There has not been much in the way of attacking play from either side. Brighton are having plenty of possession and Liverpool are increasing the pressure on themselves by conceding a couple of silly free kicks. It appears that Wijnaldum is lining up as part of a back three. That's a new one.

CHANCE! The first opportunity of the game falls to Liverpool, and they should probably be ahead. After Salah's shot was blocked for a corner, Firmino met the resulting set piece, only to head the ball over the bar. I say probably should be ahead, but the Brazilian should have at least done better.

Liverpool have started to settle into a rhythm and already, it is danger signs for Brighton. Alexander-Arnold is bombing forward at will and his cross found Firmino, but Duffy was there to make a last-gasp block from the forward's shot.

Liverpool may be sitting in fifth place in the table but aside from Manchester City, is there a better attacking side in the division? We can't even say "it's only Brighton" because the home side have one of the better defensive records in the league. This could be a long afternoon for the Seagulls.

CHANCE! Another chance for Liverpool and again it is for Firmino. The ball fell invitingly for the forward but his wait for a fourth league goal goes on as he blazes over the crossbar.

Elsewhere, Leicester City have taken the lead against Burnley thanks to Demarai Gray - that will interest both Brighton and Liverpool fans - while Stoke City are trailing at home to Swansea City. Remember, you can follow the action with our Live Scores page.

Over the past 10 minutes, Brighton's only joy has been when trying to hit Liverpool on the break. Hughton will be hoping that Alexander-Arnold and Robertson go too far forward, and allow the likes of Knockaert and Brown to capitalise in behind.

Add Watford taking the lead against Tottenham Hotspur to the early goals. What on earth is going on at the North London outfit?!

SHOT! Better from the Seagulls who manage to find Murray inside the penalty area. However, pressure from Wijnaldum forces the forward to fire well off target.

This is certainly much more of an even game now. Brighton look to have found a way to at least half-stifle Liverpool and Klopp is going to have to have a bit of a re-think. That said, each of their attacking contingent look a threat every time they receive the ball.

It has been so far so good as far as Emre Can is concerned. He has fitted in well alongside Lovren. It's worth noting that he isn't no stranger to playing in defence. He has previously been used at right-back for both club and country.

What Brighton have realised is that they cannot allow Liverpool to dictate the tempo for too long because they just end up sitting deep. Propper has just set the tone by chasing down Henderson and forcing the midfielder to go back towards his own goal.

To add to that, Brighton have had just 25% of the ball as we approach the half-hour mark. That cannot last for the remainder of this match. Liverpool are still seeing plenty of the ball, but Brighton are at least looking to change things up.

We have not seen a whole lot of Knockaert on the ball but the wideman has just managed to whip in a teasing cross into the penalty area, only for Can to head clear.

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 0-1 Liverpool (Emre Can)

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Liverpool (Roberto Firmino)

Well, that escalated.

Out of nowhere, Liverpool take a 2-0 lead through Can and Firmino. Firstly, Can found the back of the net with a bullet header from a corner before moments later, Firmino latched onto a pass across the box from Coutinho before lashing the ball into the bottom corner from eight yards out.


Brighton certainly don't deserve that, but it is also difficult to argue that Liverpool do not deserve to lead this football match. The two difference makers have been the two players we highlighted before this game. As it stands, Liverpool are moving ahead of Arsenal in the table.

It's important that Brighton do not concede another before half time or else that would effectively be game over. That said, Liverpool have history of failing to see out three-goal leads so maybe all is not lost!

Brighton have still only recorded one shot on goal this afternoon - that Murray effort which went high and wide. Gross and co are really struggling to create chances for the club's top goalscorer.

Elsewhere, Stoke have turned things around against Swansea City and now lead 2-1. Leicester City also continue to hold the advantage over Burnley, so those are two games which are not going Brighton's way.

Frustration is starting to build among the Brighton players and supporters. Half time is coming at a good time for the home side. Hughton is going to have plenty of work to do.

There will be just the one minute of added-on time.

HALF TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-2 Liverpool

The half-time whistle goes at the Amex Stadium and Liverpool lead thanks to goals from Can and Firmino. Their quick-fire double came at a time when Brighton were starting to match the visitors, but there is no doubting that the Merseyside outfit deserve their advantage at the break.

It took Liverpool until the half-hour mark to take the lead on the south coast. Coutinho's outswinging corner found the head of Can, who jumped above the defence to power the ball into the roof of Ryan's net. It's an excellent goal.

The second goal arrived just two minutes later. Coutinho was again the creator, with a driven pass finding its way through to Firmino at the back post, who sent the ball into the bottom corner of the net for just his fourth goal of the league campaign.

As it stands, Liverpool are moving into fourth place in the Premier League, with Arsenal to play Manchester United later today. Klopp will also be pleased with the fact that Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford are all failing to win.

The two teams are making their way back out at the Amex. We will be underway very shortly.

KICKOFF! The game has restarted and Brighton set about trying to change the course of this match.

If things stay the same, it surely won't be long before Hughton starts to contemplate a change. Don't be surprised to see Tomer Hemed get his chance because he has done little wrong since scoring the winner against Newcastle United a couple of months ago but has barely featured.

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 0-3 Liverpool (Roberto Firmino)

Well that may be that. What a goal for the visitors, who had initially avoided going behind after Murray failed to beat Mignolet from close range. Liverpool stormed up the other end and after more fine play from Salah, he played the ball to Firmino to fire past Ryan from inside the penalty area.

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 1-3 Liverpool (Glenn Murray)

Ok, well maybe this game isn't over. Henderson is adjudged to have fouled Duffy inside the penalty area and Murray steps up to convert past Mignolet. It looks a harsh decision with Henderson making minimal contact when appearing to push the forward, but Brighton don't care. Game on.

It's rarely boring where Liverpool are concerned, is it? This game should have been done and dusted but Brighton have been given a chance to get back into this match and they are now in the ascendancy. It was only a couple of weeks ago when Sevilla came back from three goals down to draw with Liverpool. Brighton believe that can do the same.

Liverpool haven't retreated into their shell but there is definitely a sense of what could happen if they concede a second. This is now a big test for Liverpool and one which you feel they must overcome to rid themselves of the demons of the Sevilla game.

Brighton have now moved their possession up to 38%. To give you a bit of context, that was just 25% before the half-hour mark. Hughton seems to have giving his side more licence to get on the ball and it is giving Liverpool more to worry about.

Brown was barely a factor during the opening 45 minutes but the Chelsea loanee is in his element now. Moments ago, he got down the flank before whipping in a cross for Murray, but Mignolet was able to get his hands in the way before the striker made a connection.

SHOT! Liverpool finally earn a break for themselves when they win a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, but Coutinho curls the resulting effort over the crossbar.

CHANCE! This definitely should have been game over. A counter-attack was led by Firmino but after he attempted to return the earlier favour with Salah, the Egyptian's effort lacked power and was too close to Ryan.

Liverpool are starting to get back on top now. Another goal here and that will be it. Coutinho is starting to become more involved but Brighton are just about surviving.

SUBSTITUTIONS! Hughton reacts to that pressure by making a double change. Solly March and Jose Izquierdo have replaced Anthony Knockaert and Isaiah Brown.

CHANCE! Back come Brighton with Murray being given a chance to get a shot away in the penalty area but he cannot find the target with his effort.

There are a few worried faces when Can goes down injured. The German has been excellent this afternoon and Klopp will not want to make a change to his backline at this stage. He is carrying on for now but that is one to keep an eye on.

SUBSTITUTION! A final switch for Brighton sees Schelotto come on for Bruno.

Time is starting to run out for Brighton and they have now used all of their options. Expect Liverpool to add fresh legs over the coming minutes. Klopp is still yet to make a change.

SUBSTITUTION! Here comes the first one, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replacing Salah, who is given the final 10 minutes off ahead of the Champions League clash with Spartak Moscow in midweek.

There are still goals in this match - even at this late stage - but I'd say Liverpool look more likely to extend their lead and Brighton do to make it a nervy few minutes for the visitors.

Gross has remained on the periphery of the game today but he is showing some life in the final third. On this occasion, he managed to get a shot away on the edge of the area, only for his effort to be blocked by a Liverpool defender.

Coutinho has been terrific in this second half and after managing to buy a foul out of a Brighton defender, he has the opportunity to score from a set piece on the edge of the area.

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 1-4 Liverpool (Philippe Coutinho)

He takes that opportunity, too, sending the ball under the wall and past a hapless Ryan. It's a sensational strike purely for its inventiveness, and it's Coutinho's fourth in the Premier League this season.

SUBSTITUTION! A second change for Liverpool sees Solanke replace Firmino.

GOAL! Brighton & Hove Albion 1-5 Liverpool (Lewis Dunk own goal)

This is all rather harsh on Brighton, who don't deserve to have conceded five goals in this match. The latest strike comes from their own player, with Dunk deflecting Coutinho's effort into the net.

We are going through the final motions now. I think that's it as far as the scoring is concerned.

FULL TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-5 Liverpool

The full-time whistle goes at the Amex Stadium and Liverpool have completed an emphatic win over Brighton. It's a result which helps the Reds into fourth place and leaves Brighton starting to look over the shoulder after a fourth game without a win.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.


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Philippe Coutinho in action during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Manchester United on October 14, 2017
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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