AliousBrighton extended their impressive home form with a fourth consecutive victory at the Amex Stadium, edging past Bournemouth in a tense midweek clash.
The Seagulls took an early lead after João Pedro coolly converted a penalty, which he had won after being brought down by a charging Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, Bournemouth fought back in the second half, leveling the score through a spectacular long-range strike from Justin Kluivert, who curled a stunning effort into the top corner from 25 yards out. Just when it seemed the points might be shared, substitute Danny Welbeck came to Brighton’s rescue, scoring his first goal in 14 matches to secure all three points.
Brighton Strike First in Crucial European Football Race**
With both sides vying for a potential European qualification spot, the match carried significant importance. Brighton entered the contest in fine form, having scored seven goals in their previous two games against Chelsea and Southampton without conceding. Meanwhile, Bournemouth arrived at the Amex boasting an impressive seven-match unbeaten run on the road, but their confidence took a hit following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wolves in their last outing.
Brighton started the match on the front foot, immediately testing Bournemouth’s defensive resilience. In just the eighth minute, Arrizabalaga struggled to deal with a looping cross from Yankuba Minteh, but Georginio Rutter failed to capitalize, heading wide. Moments later, new signing Diego Gómez marked his first start by threading a perfectly weighted pass through to Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger attempted to round the onrushing Arrizabalaga but could only steer his shot narrowly past the post.
The home side’s pressure paid off in the 12th minute when João Pedro was fouled in the box by Arrizabalaga after latching onto a precise pass from Rutter. The Brazilian confidently dispatched the penalty into the bottom left corner, marking his sixth successful spot-kick in the Premier League.
Bournemouth gradually found their rhythm, particularly threatening on the counterattack. Their best chance of the first half arrived in the 34th minute when Dango Ouattara sent Antoine Semenyo racing through on goal. However, his powerful strike was denied by the outstretched legs of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The Seagulls nearly doubled their lead just before halftime, as Mitoma struck the post with a well-timed volley from a pinpoint Tariq Lamptey cross.
Bournemouth Fight Back, But Welbeck Seals Brighton’s Victory**
The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Bournemouth asserting more control over possession. Their persistence was rewarded in the 60th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Kluivert. The Dutch forward picked up the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and unleashed an unstoppable curling shot into the top right corner—his tenth away goal in just eight matches.
With the score level, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler made an inspired substitution in the 75th minute, bringing on Danny Welbeck. The veteran striker made an immediate impact, slotting home the decisive goal just minutes later. After a clever turn and pass from Rutter, Welbeck calmly placed his left-footed shot past Arrizabalaga to restore Brighton’s lead.
What This Means for Both Teams**
The victory brings Brighton level with Bournemouth on 43 points, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to four matches. Meanwhile, the Cherries remain firmly in the race for European qualification but must quickly recover from back-to-back defeats.
Both teams now turn their focus to the FA Cup fifth round this weekend, with Bournemouth hosting Wolves and Brighton traveling to Newcastle.
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