Liverpool boss Arne Slot praised both sides after his team faltered again in a thrilling 3-2 loss at the American Express Stadium.
The champions travelled to Brighton on Monday night in search of their first win since securing the title, but fell short to an energetic Brighton side.
Liverpool have received a guard of honour on three separate occasions this year, despite many not agreeing with former footballer Troy Deeney describing it as pure “humiliation”.
However, they have now picked up just a singular point in these three games, with the title hangover in full force.
Liverpool fell to a 3-2 defeat at Brighton courtesy of a late Jack Hinshelwood goalPAIronically, boss Slot was spotted in Ibiza earlier this week, with the Dutch manager spending time at Wayne Lineker’s club O Beach.
After Monday's game, Slot spoke to Sky Sports: “It was an equal game, but the moment we were 2-1 up, I felt as if us scoring third one it was more realistic than them to make it 2-2. But when they did make it 2-2, they had the momentum.
“Both teams play football, no time wasting, just two teams that want to play football and you saw a better game.”
Slot also hinted at the potential arrival of Bundesliga star Jeremy Frimpong: “The moment we announce [Frimpong] will be the moment to talk about it, in general.
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Arne Slot praised both side's intent to 'play football'
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“But we haven’t announced anything, so no need to talk about anyone.”
Liverpool started the game strongly, with Harvey Elliott finishing a slick move in which Conor Bradley breezed past the Brighton defence to lay it on a plate for the 22-year-old.
Their opener was cancelled out by another brilliant goal, this time from Brighton, where Yasin Ayari applied the finish after being played through by a fantastic first-time pass from Brajan Gruda.
Liverpool were the side who entered half-time with the lead, however, after Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross-come-shot found the netting after catching out Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The second half belonged to Brighton, though, and particularly boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose substitutions were the mastermind behind the Seagulls’ comeback.
First, Kaoru Mitoma followed in after Danny Welbeck’s effort was saved from Alisson, finishing on the volley into the near post just five minutes after his introduction to the game.
Then, just one minute after entering the pitch, Jack Hinshelwood put the ball in at the back post after a delicious delivery from Matt O’Reilly.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Hinshelwood said: “First of all, coming off the bench I wanted to come into he game and make an impact.
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Jack Hinshelwood celebrating scoring a late winner against Liverpool
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“The ball came across and sat up perfectly. There was a nervous wait until the goal was allowed, then it was pure relief.”
This wasn’t the only special moment of the night for the 22-year-old, as he joined the pitch alongside his younger cousin, Harry Howell, to make his debut at the age of just 17.
“It was a really nice moment coming on with my cousin. We have been working hard since we were kids, kicking balls with each other."
Hinshelwood continued: “He’s got great ability, he’s been working so hard this last month. He has been grinding away in the background, probably not had as much time in the playing team as he would’ve liked.
“It's really special, I’m so pleased for him.”
Football runs further in the Hinshelwood family, with Jack’s dad, Adam, currently managing York City, who face Oldham in the National League play-off semi-final on Tuesday for a chance to play in the Football League.
“It’s amazing, I’m so proud of all my family, my cousin, my dad, who has a massive game tomorrow. It’s a five-hour journey, but I might try and make it up.
“It’s football at the end of the day, it’s what we’ve all done since such a young age.”
