The defending champions Liverpool continued their EFL Cup journey with a thrilling victory over the Seagulls with the score Brighton 2-3 Liverpool, fuelled by Cody Gakpo’s remarkable performance.
Gakpo, who has become a standout in this competition, added two more goals to his impressive tally since last season, reinforcing his status as a clutch player in Liverpool’s quest to defend their title.
The Dutch winger opened the scoring in this Brighton vs Liverpool EFL Cup game shortly after the break with a precise finish, later capitalising on a defensive error to double his tally.
Despite Brighton's spirited response late in this Brighton vs Liverpool game, Luis Diaz sealed the win for the visitors, helping Liverpool edge past their hosts and move confidently into the next round.
So, how did the Reds perform in this this Brighton vs Liverpool EFL Cup round of 16 game? Here are the Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton in their 3-2 win at the Amex Stadium in the EFL Cup.
Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton - EFL Cup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Vitezlsav Jaros (6/10)
Making his first start for Liverpool, Jaros pulled off several impressive saves, including a sensational stop to deny Adingra. He could have done better to prevent Brighton’s first goal.
Right Back: Conor Bradley (5/10)
Energetic down the flank and frequently advanced beyond the forward line, though he found Brighton’s pace challenging in the latter stages.
Centre Back: Jarell Quansah (4/10)
Quansah conceded possession in a costly error that led directly to a Brighton goal. Showed promise but needs to manage his composure under pressure.
Centre Back: Joe Gomez (5/10)
Solid individually, though the defence overall struggled to assert control. It was a drop-off from Van Dijk’s usual standard.
Left Back: Andy Robertson (5/10)
Robertson made several lung-busting runs but looked vulnerable defensively in the second half. Still, it was an improvement from his recent display.
Defensive Midfielder: Wataru Endo (4/10)
Endo struggled to find comfort in possession under Brighton’s press, which highlighted why he has fallen down the pecking order. He picked up a booking for a late tackle.
Defensive Midfielder: Tyler Morton (4/10)
It was a mixed night as he surrendered possession too easily early on but demonstrated his quality with a lofted pass to assist Gakpo’s opener.
Right Midfielder: Luis Diaz (6/10)
Relatively quiet until his vital goal, which proved to be the match-winner. Showed his quality when it mattered most.
Attacking Midfielder: Curtis Jones (7/10)
Drifted forward often to support Szoboszlai and was lively in the final third with some neat touches and lay-offs.
Left Midfielder: Cody Gakpo (8/10)
Gakpo delivered two outstanding finishes, stunning the home crowd with his clinical efforts. He continued his impressive Carabao Cup form with another strong performance.
Centre Forward: Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10)
Played in an unorthodox role but could not make a significant impact. He missed a promising opportunity before Gakpo’s second goal.
Liverpool substitutes vs Brighton
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10) - Endo 64’
Replaced Endo after 64 minutes but did not manage to help Liverpool gain control in midfield.
Trey Nyoni (5/10) - Morton 64’
Nyoni entered for Morton in the 64th minute, adding energy and even testing the Brighton goalkeeper with a shot.
Mohamed Salah (5/10) - Gakpo 71’
Salah came on for Gakpo in the 71st minute. A late addition but did not get any clear scoring opportunities.
Darwin Nunez (5/10) - Szoboszlai 71’
Nunez joined alongside Salah, but like his teammate, struggled to get involved.
Ibrahima Konate (NA/10) - Quansah 92’
Konate was brought on in the final moments for Quansah. Had minimal impact but was booked for a rash challenge.
Liverpool manager vs Brighton
Arne Slot (7/10)
His side’s attacking intensity proved effective, yet defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. His substitutions ultimately disrupted the team’s flow without improving control of the game.
Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton (4-2-3-1): Starting XI - Jaros (6/10); Bradley (5/10), Quansah (4/10), Gomez (5/10), Robertson (5/10); Endo (4/10), Morton (4/10); Diaz (6/10), Jones (7/10), Gakpo (8/10); Szoboszlai (5/10). Substitutes - Mac Allister (5/10), Nyoni (5/10), Salah (5/10), Nunez (5/10), Konate (NA/10). Manager - Slot (7/10).
What are you Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton in their 3-2 win at the Amex Stadium in the EFL Cup?