Kaoru Mitoma's stunning stoppage-time winner secured Brighton and Hove Albion a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday to dump the holders out of the FA Cup.

The tie appeared to be heading back to Anfield for a replay with the game finely poised at 1-1, but the in-form Mitoma netted a spectacular late goal to put Brighton into the fifth round.

Liverpool took the lead via Harvey Elliott during an entertaining first half, but Brighton were good value for Lewis Dunk's fortuitous equaliser nine minutes later.

Brighton's continued positivity in the second half looked to set to go unrewarded, but Mitoma's ball juggling and cool finish sparked bedlam at the Amex Stadium as Liverpool's FA Cup defence crumbled.

Mohamed Salah and Evan Ferguson had shots cleared off the line amid a frantic opening.

Salah then spurned an even better chance in the 25th minute, shooting wide with only Jason Steele to beat after Elliott's incisive pass.

But when their roles reversed, Elliott made no such mistake as he found the bottom-left corner – not that Brighton trailed for long.

Liverpool cleared a corner only as far as Tariq Lamptey and his 25-yard drive deflected in off Dunk.

Fortune seemed to be smiling on Liverpool in the second half.

Alisson denied Solly March from point-blank range after Mitoma's gorgeous cross in the 71st minute, before Ibrahima Konate and Fabinho were both arguably lucky to not get sent off.

But Brighton's persistence brought a just reward.

Pervis Estupinan headed across goal to Mitoma, whose juggling helped him evade two defenders and set up a ruthless finish that clinched a famous win for the Seagulls.

What does it mean? Seagulls soaring as Liverpool's season unravels further

Ahead of this game, Jurgen Klopp spoke defiantly about what the rest of the season could yet bring for Liverpool, pointing out they still had plenty to play for.

In that sense, the performance and outcome here will be bitter blows for the Reds, who were generally second best and have seen arguably their most realistic route to silverware blocked off.

For most, the focus will be on Liverpool and their issues, but it should not distract from what Brighton are doing at the moment – this was another exceptional display, and they produced it without one of their key players in Moises Caicedo, who is trying to force a move away.

Mitoma steals the headlines

So much focus in the past few days has been on Caicedo, but this was another reminder of how much talent Brighton will still have even if the Ecuadorian does leave.

Mitoma's dazzling dribbling abilities were on display again, but there was much more to his game than just some mazy runs – March should have scored from his sole key pass, while he worked tirelessly on and off the ball with a game-high 12 duels before that simply brilliant winner.

Gakpo still waiting to explode

Cody Gakpo certainly was not bad here. He enjoyed a couple of positive runs and showed flashes of his ability, but he ended the game without a single shot or key pass.

Liverpool fans would be within their rights to be expecting a little more.

Key Opta Facts:

- Brighton have now lost only one of their last eight FA Cup games played at home (W6 D1), while this is the first time they have beaten the holders of the competition, losing both previous such games.
- In the current format of the competition (since 1925-26), only Wolves (30) and Sheffield United (28) have been eliminated more times in the fourth round than Liverpool (27), with the Reds losing five of their last seven such ties. 
- Dunk has now scored two goals against Liverpool and two own goals for the Reds (4 in total), with those combined more than against any other side in all competitions for the Seagulls.
- Mitoma has been involved in eight goals in his last 11 games in all competitions (6 goals, 2 assists), after failing to score or assist in his first eight games for the Seagulls this season. 

What's next?

Brighton will find out their next opponents in Monday's fifth-round draw. The Reds turn their attention back to the Premier League, with a trip to Wolves on Saturday.