Fabian Hurzeler claims ‘one team’ tried to win as Brighton boss takes swipe at Liverpool

Fabian Hurzeler took a swipe at Liverpool’s approach after Brighton’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield, claiming his side were the only team trying to win the game.

A Pascal Gross own goal and an Alexander Isak finish gave Liverpool a 2-0 win on Sunday. It was Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League victory at Anfield, but Hurzeler was in no mood to give the hosts much credit.

“I think everyone in the stadium saw that there was one team who really tried to create and try to win this game, and therefore I have to praise my players,” Hurzeler said in his post-match news conference.

Do the stats back up Fabian Hurzeler?

The numbers support some of his argument. Liverpool had just 35.6 per cent of possession. According to beIN Sports, that was the second-lowest share Liverpool have recorded in a Premier League home win, and their lowest in a league victory at Anfield since November 2010.

Brighton also had 17 shots to Liverpool’s 13, and the expected goals finished 1.35 to 0.87 in Brighton’s favour. But only one of those 17 efforts was on target, compared with four for Liverpool. That is the most shots Brighton have ever had in a Premier League game while hitting the target once or less. Yasin Ayari missed a big chance early on and later hit the post.

Hurzeler praises Liverpool’s defending

Hurzeler did acknowledge that Liverpool defended their box well, praising Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez. He told Sky Sports it “was a missed opportunity”, and said his side had made two easy mistakes that gave Liverpool their goals.

It is not the first time Hurzeler has used the line. After a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in March, he said there had been only one team trying to play football, as Planet Football pointed out.

What next for Liverpool and Brighton?

The result was Liverpool’s fourth straight win in all competitions and lifted them to fourth in the Premier League table. It was also Brighton’s fourth defeat in a row at Anfield, equalling their longest losing run there in the Premier League.

Both sides are back in action in the Carabao Cup fourth round this week. Liverpool host Chelsea on Wednesday night while sweating on Florian Wirtz’s ankle, and Brighton travel to Manchester City the same evening.

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