Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was left shocked after Danny Welbeck’s superb strike gave Brighton an early lead.
Just 87 seconds into Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Brighton at Anfield, the visitors scored a surprise opener.
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The former Arsenal star unleashed a superb strike from outside the box after a thrilling run from Pervis Estupinan down the left.
Kelleher, still replacing the injured Alisson between the Liverpool posts, was left speechless as Welbeck’s strike flew into the back of the net.
And with Arsenal facing Manchester City later today, it could give some Gunners fans a reason to smile to see their former player inflict damage on their title rivals.
To add an extra cherry on the cake, Welbeck’s goal also saw a visiting team take the first lead at Anfield since October 2019, when Harry Kane scored for Tottenham inside 47 seconds.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Micky Gray said: “What an absolute strike from Danny Welbeck.
“Estupinan is working on the left side, it’s incredible. And when that ball ricocheted off Danny Welbeck, you just think it’s going to hit.
“But no. The first time he puts his laces on, Kelleher is just shocked by that Liverpool goal. He dives after it goes past him, what a shot. What a goal.”
Liverpool managed to fight back through Luis Diaz, who latched on to a deflected Mohamed Salah to equalize.
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The Reds have a poor record against Brighton in recent years.
They have not beaten the Seagulls since March 12, 2022 in a 2-0 victory.
Since then, Brighton have won three out of five, drawing the other two, including a 2-1 win in the FA Cup.
Roberto de Zerbi is one of the favorites to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this summer.
As the Reds boss ends his nine years at the club, main target Xabi Alonso remains at Bayer Leverkusen.
This means Liverpool will have to look elsewhere with De Zerbi already at the top of the wishlist.
Other options include sports manager Ruben Amorim and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Liverpool started second in the Premier League on Sunday with just one point separating them from league leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners face City in the later kick-off on Easter Sunday in what could be a pivotal day in the title race.
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