Brighton keep European hopes alive with 3 2 win over Liverpool

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot was slightly annoyed that his side lost to Brighton Hove Albion on May 19, but not that it mattered much considering that it was an inconsequential match with the league title already sealed.

Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory at home to leave the Premier League champions without a win since winning the English top-flight trophy.

Slot’s side took the lead through Harvey Elliott’s early opener before Yasin Ayari equalised at the Amex Stadium.

Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s advantage just before the interval, but the Seagulls staged a late fightback as Kaoru Mitoma levelled before Hinshelwood came off the bench to net with his first touch.

Liverpool have taken just one point from their three matches following the title-clinching rout of Tottenham on April 27.

The Reds have lost at Brighton and Chelsea and squandered a two-goal lead in a draw with Arsenal since their record-equalling 20th English crown was confirmed.

They can now look forward to receiving the Premier League trophy in the May 25 season finale against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield, before an open-top bus parade through the city 24 hours later.

“Great game of football but not the result we wanted,” said Slot.

“If you don’t score the third goal then it’s hard to win at this level, especially away from home. We cannot miss chances like we did if you want to win.

“I know these players already for 10 months, so it’s not the first time I’m judging them, but it’s nice to see Harvey score a goal and have an assist.

“Federico Chiesa had some nice moments as well considering how long he’s not been playing.”

The Dutchman had admitted that motivating the champions for the final two matches of the season was