Brighton & Hove Albion – Liverpool: Masterful Mitoma Eliminates Liverpool (2-1)

Much of this game was a battle between Liverpool’s compact 4-5-1 pressing shape and Roberto De Zerbi’s possession set up. Brighton advanced well over the wings at times but overall there was something of a stalemate after both sides had scored in the first half. It seemed that 1-1 would be the final scoreline until Kaoru Mitoma finished skilfully late on to send Brighton through. 
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Brighton have been one of the most impressive teams in England this season, with Roberto De Zerbi picking up where Graham Potter left off in developing this team. They started with a 4-4-2 shape for this match, with a back four of Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, and Pervis Estupiñán. Pascal Groß and Alexis Mac Allister were the central midfielders with Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma wide. Up front, Danny Welbeck partnered Evan Ferguson.

Liverpool meanwhile have performed far below expectations this season. Jürgen Klopp’s side would have been well acquainted with Brighton’s threat in this match, having already lost 3-0 in Brighton earlier this month. They lined up in a 4-3-3 system here, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, and Andrew Robertson in the backline. Stefan Bajcetic was the deepest midfielder with Naby Keïta and Thiago Alcântara alongside him. Up front, Cody Gakpo was . . .