Liverpool defeat Brighton in the WSL: What Happened?

Brighton vs Liverpool: Early second-half goal closes the gap on top four

Published: Feb 18, 2024 Updated: Jul 1, 2024 Bethany Barker 4 mins read 0 Disclosure

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Liverpool secured their first win of 2024 in the Women’s Super League. This puts the Reds two points away from Manchester United.

In the weekend’s third game of the WSL, Liverpool travelled to Broadfield Stadium to face Brighton. In the reverse fixture of this game, the Reds beat the Seagulls 4-0. With goals coming from Gemma Bonner, Shanice Van De Sanden, Ceri Holland and Sophie Roman Haug.

With 8 points separating the two teams. Liverpool in 5th and Brighton in 11th- before the game the hosts were looking for their first win under interim manager, Mikey Harris, whereas the visitors were looking to keep pressure on Manchester United in 4th.

Brighton vs Liverpool | How the teams lined up:

Brighton	Liverpool
Sophie Baggaley, Maria Thorisdottir, Poppy Pattinson, Guro Bergsvand, Vicky Losada ©, Veatriki Sarri, Julia Zigiotti, Elisabeth Terland, Emma Kullberg, Tatiana Pinto, Katie Robinson	Rachel Laws, Emma Koivisto, Grace Fisk, Niamh Fahey ©, Jasmin Matthews, Fuka Nagand, Sophie Roman Haug, Melissa Lawley, Marie Hobinger, Ceri Holland, Gemma Bonner
Pauline Bremer, Geummin Lee, Madison Haley, Li Mengwen, Melina Loeck, Olivia Johnson, Katie Startup, Grace Mcewen, Lily Dent	Teagan Micah, Missy Bo Kearns, Leanne Kiernan, Mia Enderby, Sofie Lundgaard, Jenna Clark, Shanice Van De Sanden, Yana Daniels

Match recap

In the early stages of the game. Brighton looked more confident on the ball despite the Liverpool press as they played the ball out from the back. However, an early Liverpool corner gave them their first shot of the game. But Sophie Roman Haug’s shot provided a comfortable save for Sophie Baggaley.

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Down the other end, Brighton created a high press with Elisabeth Terland. Sending a low drive- 30 yards out- which passed the left post. After a spell of possession from each side. Poppy Pattinson attempted a left-footed shot, from outside the box. But was blocked by the Liverpool defence; her attacking pressure was recognised by Liverpool and she was brought down for a free kick- one of many in this stop-start game.

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Towards the 44th minute, Liverpool started to create clear attacking pressure. This was amplified in a set piece where Sophie Román Haug guided a low header agonisingly close. Just past the left-hand post. Mirroring the close chance down their end Brighton was nearly rewarded for their efforts but Pattinson hit the bar, one of the last chances of the half.

Nothing separated the two teams at half-time

Both managers made no changes to their starting lineups and the visitors started strong regaining pressure with a high attacking press however Brighton were able to prevent two chances from Liverpool corners as Maria Thorisdottir headed the chances away

Following the break, Ceri Holland was quick to take advantage of a misplaced clearance by Sophie Baggaley with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner giving her side the advantage in the 53rd minute, after a frustrating first half. The midfielder has scored three goals-prior to this game- against the Seagulls which is her best tally of any WSL opposition.

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Throughout Liverpool had the majority of chances, but struggled to convert these to goals with the hosts’ well-organised defence; which was to be expected as Brighton have blocked 81 shots on target this season, which is 26 more than any other side.

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During the later moments of the second half, Brighton’s momentum built in a way that it should have been 1-1 if they were able to convert some of their close chances; Losada’s inswinging cross almost made its way to substitute Geummin Lee but was unable be converted.

Goal scorer Holland was then booked again for a late challenge on Julia Zigiotti within stoppage time, which means she will be suspended for the Reds’ next WSL game against Aston Villa on 3 March. The visitors kept possession throughout stoppage time, keeping the ball close to the opposition’s goal and tight in the corner.

Full-time: 0-1

Liverpool now goes within two points of Manchester United in fourth, and three above Tottenham after they were beaten in their home fixture today by Aston Villa.

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