Poyet watches 'comic' defending

Liam Bridcutt twice found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, whilst Lewis Dunk's disastrous attempt at controlling a Luis Suarez cross also ended in calamity.

In front thanks to Martin Skrtel, only to be pegged back by Kazenga Lua Lua's excellent effort, Liverpool cruised home with Andy Carroll capping an outstanding display with his third goal in 10 games before setting up Suarez, who had earlier missed a penalty, to complete the Reds biggest win since September 2009.

"I watched the goals on the computer," said Poyet.

"There are a few funny ones in there. They were comic goals.

"I haven't spoken to the players about it. There were so many individual mistakes it would take all day.

"I made changes at 3-1 and I am responsible for what happened afterwards. But I don't like it and I didn't enjoy it.

"I learned a lot. I hope my players did the same."

Brighton certainly learned that Liverpool can manage perfectly well without the assistance it was offered.

Despite the visitor's best efforts, fair and foul, Carroll refused to be shackled, Steven Gerrard was his usual rampaging self and Suarez, after all that recent controversy, edged further towards top form.

It was the trio's first start together and the timing was perfect given Liverpool will look to secure its first trophy since 2006 when it takes on Cardiff City in the Carling Cup final at Wembley.

"The three of them are fantastic footballers and they played really well today," said Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish.

"The more any team gets iconic players like they are on the pitch the better chance they have of being successful.

"But we have got more than three players.

"The fact we have done as well as we have and that was the first time the three of them have started a match tells you how well the other boys have done.

"We will stand and be counted as a squad and I don't think we have done too badly this year."

Dalglish confirmed absent duo Craig Bellamy and Daniel Agger should both be fit for Liverpool's first Wembley appearance since 1996.

And Carroll has certainly done his chances of a starting berth no harm whatsoever with a powerful display.

Were it not for his £35 million ($51.46 million) pricetag, the former Newcastle United star might be judged rather less severely by his critics.

However, Dalglish insists Britain's costliest player has nothing to prove on Merseyside.

"We have always been positive, and we always will be," said the Liverpool boss.

"We will always be supportive of any player who comes to this football club.

"It doesn't matter what his name is. We will judge him and we will judge whether we are happy or unhappy."

Suarez will have to get used to being jeered by opposition fans given the Brighton supporters abused him, even though their manager Poyet has been one of his fellow Uruguayan's staunchest supporters.

And, after Dalglish admitted to the error of asking Suarez to take Liverpool's penalty after Dirk Kuyt had been fouled in the box, even Poyet admitted he was delighted that Suarez got his name on the scoresheet.

"Yes," he said. "Especially after the penalty.

"It wasn't a matter of conceding one more. He needed it. It was important for him."