Liverpool took the lead in the 30th minute when Mohamed Salah teed up Harvey Elliott to fire home. There was a hint of handball in the build-up from Naby Keïta but the goal was allowed to stand. It was an end to end and entertaining encounter and it was Brighton who struck next as they levelled in the 39th minute when Tariq Lamptey’s shot was diverted in by Lewis Dunk, who was excellent throughout. It was another impressive display from Albion who more than coped without the midfield talents of Moises Caicedo, who is “on leave” due to his transfer links with Arsenal and Chelsea. Albion got the winner they deserved – after a lengthy VAR check – and what it finish it was from Kaoru Mitoma. The Japan international gathered a cross from Pervis Estupinan and flicked it beyond the defender before blasting home beyond Alisson. Brilliant from Brighton and the holders are out.
Here’s how they rated...
![Played well against Salah and bombed forward and linked well with Mitoma when he had the chance](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmZmNmU5ZDhiLTdkYTItNDNkZi04NmM3LWM4NDhjMmUzODdlMDo0MmE5MDdkYi1jYzAwLTQ1NjktYTIwNi05NTM0ODRlOGVkNTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=594)
5. Pervis Estupinan 7-10
Played well against Salah and bombed forward and linked well with Mitoma when he had the chance Photo: Mike Hewitt
![Experienced head in midfield alongside Mac Allister. Fired an effort over the bar in the second half from edge of the box](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjVlY2MwNzBmLTg1MDMtNGQ2Zi1iZTUwLTAzMDNlMjBiNWU1MjpiOGI0OTY4NS02MTkxLTQ4NzItYTI2Ni04OGEwMWNkZjdkNWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=594)
6. Pascal Gross - 6-10
Experienced head in midfield alongside Mac Allister. Fired an effort over the bar in the second half from edge of the box Photo: Mike Hewitt
![Missed his midfield partner Moises Caicedo but played well enough and worked well without being spectacular. Wiped out by Konate when through on goal and the Liverpool ace should have been sent-off](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmJiZWY5YTkzLTQwMzAtNDYzYi1hNzdhLTZiYjc3ZDg5MmYzNDo1YTk3OTJhMi0wMTBhLTRiNzgtOWM3NC0zZWM1N2ExMWVlMzY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=594)
7. Alexis Mac Allister - 7-10
Missed his midfield partner Moises Caicedo but played well enough and worked well without being spectacular. Wiped out by Konate when through on goal and the Liverpool ace should have been sent-off Photo: Andrew Powell
![Lively opening and a great cross to tee-up Ferguson in the first half with the scores at 0-0. Unlucky not to score from Mitoma's brilliant cross in the second half. Teed-up Ferguson late on as well](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjk1YmM2OGJiLTIxNzktNGM5OC05MzhmLWRlMTgyOTIxNjBmYTpmY2MyY2E5MS1kY2EzLTRjMTUtOGQyZS1mODExMTYxYWNmMDQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=594)
8. Solly March - 8-10
Lively opening and a great cross to tee-up Ferguson in the first half with the scores at 0-0. Unlucky not to score from Mitoma's brilliant cross in the second half. Teed-up Ferguson late on as well Photo: Mike Hewitt