Danny Welbeck nets a brace to hinder Liverpool's bid for a top-five finish

Danny Welbeck, Brighton's English striker, was seen applauding fans on the pitch after his team's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on March 21, 2026.

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The win was a significant blow to Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League spot next season, with Welbeck scoring twice to give Brighton their fourth win in five Premier League matches.

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Arne Slot's team had been in high spirits after their 4-0 midweek win over Galatasaray, which propelled them to the Champions League quarter-finals, but Welbeck's goals ensured Brighton's own European football aspirations remained alive.

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Liverpool's chances were further hindered by the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Mohamed Salah, and they suffered another setback when topscorer Hugo Ekitike was forced off with an apparent dead leg after a challenge from James Milner.

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Welbeck opened the scoring in the 14th minute, heading home from close range after Diego Gomez headed a cross-field pass back across goal, marking his 11th Premier League goal of the season and making him the top English goalscorer in the league.

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Liverpool found some rhythm after falling behind, with Alexis Mac Allister going close to an equaliser in the 22nd minute, but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a smart save to deny him.

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The visitors eventually levelled the score in the 30th minute, thanks to some clever play from left-back Milos Kerkez, who capitalised on an error from Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and finished confidently over the stranded Verbruggen.

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Brighton regained the lead in the 56th minute, with Welbeck scoring his second goal of the game after Yankuba Minteh's cross was played into his path by Jack Hinshelwood, and the goal was confirmed following a VAR check.

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Welbeck, who made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 2008, is enjoying his highest-scoring season in the league, and his goals proved decisive in Brighton's victory.

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Liverpool's defeat leaves them fifth in the Premier League, two points behind Aston Villa and one ahead of Chelsea, with the top five teams almost certain to qualify for the Champions League next season.

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The club's Premier League title defence collapsed earlier in the season, but they remain alive in the Champions League and face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals early next month, while Brazilian international goalkeeper Alisson announced on social media that he would be "out of action for a while".