Brighton Manager Explains Why His Side Lost Against Liverpool

In the wake of Brighton & Hove Albion's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on December 13, 2025, manager Fabian Hürzeler provided candid insights into his team's shortcomings during the Premier League clash.[1][2]

The match kicked off disastrously for Brighton, as Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike netted the fastest goal of the Premier League season just one minute in. Ekitike capitalized on a risky cross-field clearance from Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, which Joe Gomez headed down for the French forward to touch and rifle into the roof of the net.[1][2] Hürzeler pinpointed this early error as pivotal, stating, "That first-minute goal came from our own mistake. Minteh's clearance was too ambitious under pressure, and we paid the price immediately."[2]

Brighton had opportunities to level, with Minteh and Diego Gómez creating chances in the first half, but Liverpool dominated possession thanks to the growing synergy between Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister. Hürzeler noted, "We controlled spells but lacked clinical finishing. Liverpool's midfield understanding was superior, and we couldn't match their intensity."[2]

Ekitike sealed the win with his second goal late on, assisted after Mohamed Salah's return from international duty and a shot that Brighton failed to clear. In the second half, Brighton grew threatening—Gómez struck the post, and Brajan Gruda went close—but couldn't convert.[1][2] Hürzeler reflected, "Ekitike's threat exposed our defensive lapses. He's in form, and we didn't handle his runs well. Salah's influence, even briefly, disrupted us further."[2]

Despite the loss, Hürzeler praised his side's resilience, sitting 7th with 23 points from 16 games. "We're close to the top but need to eliminate self-inflicted errors. Liverpool deserved it—they're third unbeaten in five."[1][2] The defeat halts Brighton's momentum, with Hürzeler vowing improvements ahead.[1]

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