Liverpool denied as Brighton earn late point – but there's no VAR controversy this time

Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Luis Diaz look on as Brighton celebrate Simon Adingra's goal in the teams' Premier League clash at the Amex in October 2023.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool were frustrated in their attempts to bounce back after last weekend's controversial defeat to Tottenham in north London, but the Reds had to settle for a point at Brighton following a late Lewis Dunk equaliser.

Simon Adingra gave Brighton the lead on 20 minutes after Alexis Mac Allister was dispossessed on his return to the Amex, but Liverpool looked set to go on and win after two Mohamed Salah strikes late in the first half.

The Egyptian had time and space to level after 40 minutes after he was set up by Darwin Nunez and put the Reds in front from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the opening period to give Jurgen Klopp's side the lead at the interval.

Brighton fans were not sure about some of the decisions given against their team and let it be known, notably after referee Anthony Taylor waved away their appeals for a penalty in the second half when a shot from Kaoru Mitoma appeared to bounce up and hit Virgil van Dijk on the arm.

"We want a replay," the Seagulls supporters chanted, but the call looked correct.

Substitute Ryan Gravenberch, who replaced Harvey Elliott for the second half, clipped the crossbar as the Reds sought a third goal and a win at the Amex.

The Reds still looked like claiming a win which would have moved them up to second spot behind Tottenham, following last Saturday's loss in north London in which they were denied a perfectly good goal due to a VAR mix-up.

but they were denied as Andy Robertson failed to clear a Solly March free-kick and Dunk pounced at the near post to level after 79 minutes.

Five minutes later, Joao Pedro could have won it for Roberto De Zerbi's side, but fired a glorious chance over the bar and the match ended level.

It means Liverpool have picked up only one point from their last two Premier League matches, but at least there was no VAR controversy this time.

The Reds are now fourth place, three points behind leaders Tottenham, with Brighton one behind them in sixth.

More Liverpool stories

Tottenham vs Liverpool: why was Luis Diaz's goal wrongly disallowed by VAR?

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp blasts 'unfair' and 'crazy' decisions in Saturday's Premier League clash, while Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou admits he is not a fan of VAR.

And Klopp has suggested that the only fair outcome would be to replay the game against Spurs.

Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.