Ridiculously easy – Brighton & Hove Albion March through Liverpool

Brighton & Hove Albion 3 Liverpool 0

The once-mighty Liverpool were simply annihilated by Brighton and Hove Albion.

It is the first time that the Seagulls have beaten Liverpool at home for exactly 62 years.

A Solly March double and a sublime finish by Danny Welbeck sent Albion fans almost wild with delight.

The Seagulls gave a superb on-pitch welcome to World Cup star Alexis Mac Allister as he took to the turf before the other players.

Albion dominated the first half. Kauro Mitoma had the beating of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Matip and had a couple of chances to put Albion ahead in the first but skewed his first effort wide.

Albion created a majority of the chances in the first half but were unable to find the net – one of the most noteworthy features of the first half  was Jordan Henderson’s clattering of Moises Caicedo. The England midfielder was lucky to receive just a yellow card.

March was sent scurrying away by Adam Lallana but was brought down by Allison. After some delay, referee Darren England was advised by VAR that March was offside. The penalty was rescinded and, with it, the inevitable card for Allison.

Albion took the lead through March early in the second half. He pounced on a misplaced shot by Mitoma after Lallana and Mac Aliister had combined to win the ball back off Matip.

March doubled Albion’s lead eight minutes later after good work from Mitoma and Caicedo again. The rejuvenated Albion winger placed the ball far out of Allison’s reach with a deft touch for 2-0.

Alexander-Arnold was not only spraying inaccurate but just hopeful balls around the pitch but was also getting frustrated as he scythed down young Albion forward Evan Ferguson. Ferguson, although not injured, was immediately replaced by Danny Welbeck.

Harvey Elliott had Liverpool’s best chance but slammed a shot wide as Robert Sanchez dealt with every punt Liverpool sent into the box admirably.

Albion completed their first home league win against Liverpool since 1961 when Danny Welbeck latched on to March’s flick from a Pascal Gross throw and lifted the ball past Allison for 3-0.

Welbeck had another chance to make it four before the end but his sweeping shot was gathered by Allison.

This is a notable win in Albion history. They stay seventh in the Premier League, currently five points off the Champions League places and in mid January.

The Seagulls travel to Leicester City next Saturday (21 January) in the Premier League.