Fabian Hurzeler admitted that Liverpool advanced into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals because they were more ruthless than Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Reds, current holders of the competition, marched into the fifth round as they earned a 3-2 victory over the Seagulls. It was a highly entertaining battle between the Premier League rivals at the AMEX Stadium, with all five goals scored in the second period.
Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock for Liverpool less than a minute after the interval with a superb finish. Brighton had a chance to equalise but Simon Adingra’s header was tipped onto the post by Reds goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros – who was making his full debut – before Evan Ferguson fired over for the Seagulls. Liverpool doubled their advantage through another fine Gakpo effort and while Adringra reduced the arrears, Luis Diaz restored the visitors’ two-goal lead
Tariq Lamptey’s deflected shot gave Brighton a lifeline in the closing stages but the Reds hung on to deliver a triumph and set up a tie away to Southampton in the last eight. Brighton head coach Hurzeler said: “The players have a great character and great personality, and they proved it today for sure. It’s disappointing to be knocked out of the cup, but we were not ruthless enough, and I think that was a
difference.“Liverpool scored at the right moments. They scored out of nowhere with an unbelievable shot for their first goal and we were not able to reply in the right moments.”
Liverpool will quickly face Brighton again when they meet in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday.
