Look: Desperate scenes from Liverpool’s shock defeat against Brighton

Put a fork in them — they’re done. Liverpool’s fight for the title has become more improbable than ever. Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander Arnold and Thiago Alcantara stood around looking dejected after Brighton scored the only goal of the dreary match on Wednesday evening.

The defending champions are now seven points short of table-leaders Manchester City — who still have a game in hand — thanks to a thumping from Brighton at Anfield.

This is the first time that Liverpool has lost two home games in a row since 2012 — nearly an entire decade. Club veteran James Milner walked off of the pitch with his bowed after the shock defeat.

There was no stopping him: Brighton’s Steven Alzate sealed the fate of the match with his singular second-half strike — his first in the Premier League — leading to a 1-0 result at the final whistle.

As the rain lashed down on Anfield, Liverpool slipped on any opportunity to equalise, let alone win.

Star goalkeeper Alisson Becker was missing in action due to illness, and 22-year-old Irishman Caoimhin Kelleher took his spot. Here, Alzate celebrates his first goal in the league, as Kelleher reaches for the ball.

The Reds’ injuries were plentiful. Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Fabinho weren’t game-fit. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Joel Matip would miss the entirety of the season due to damaged ankle ligaments.

Everybody has been waiting with bated breath for Liverpool to face off with Manchester City on Sunday (February 7), another home game for Liverpool.

City haven’t beaten Liverpool at Anfield since 2003. But with Liverpool’s sentiments hurt and confidence shaken, this could be the season that changes everything. Even a draw against City wouldn’t mean much to Liverpool. Only a win could give them real hope of playing catch-up.

Klopp shone his kingly smile before the match, despite playing with a fraction of the powerful squad he ruled over.

Liverpool’s season has been plagued with injuries. Virgil Van Dijk’s season-ending spell against Everton put a wrench in their plans all the way back in October. Salah has been under increased pressure to preform as the team's top striker this season.

Brighton are three from the bottom of the league table, firmly in relegation zone. But that didn’t stop them from celebrating their achievements on Wednesday.