AliousBrighton & Hove Albion claimed a thrilling 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Amex Stadium, with a last-gasp penalty securing a vital three points and lifting them to sixth place in the Premier League.
The visitors struck first in the 35th minute, but Brighton wasted little time in responding. Just six minutes later, Jan Paul van Hecke met a well-delivered set piece, directing his header off the post and into the net to restore parity.
The second half was a fiercely contested battle, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. As the match edged toward a draw, Brighton were handed a golden opportunity in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. João Pedro stepped up and coolly slotted the spot-kick home, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans and sealing a dramatic win for the Seagulls.
### Manager’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler praised his team’s determination and resilience, insisting they fully deserved the victory.
“We were the only team on the pitch that really wanted to win,” he said. “We created chances, controlled the game, and defended well. It wasn’t our best performance, but it was a deserved result.”
Hurzeler admitted his squad lacked freshness at times but credited their ability to adapt and manage the game. “You have to be clever and mature in these moments,” he added. “We conceded an easy goal, but we showed intensity in the second half. I liked the attitude and character of the team.”
### Brighton’s Impressive Form
This result marks Brighton’s fourth consecutive Premier League victory and their first-ever league win against Fulham, reinforcing their strong run of form. Hurzeler expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress but urged his players to stay focused.
“We are pleased with every Premier League win because they are so tough to achieve,” he said. “We need to understand why we are in this position and continue building on these performances, both individually and collectively, to reach the next level.”
### Eyes on European Football
Both Brighton and Fulham remain in the race for European qualification, making every point crucial as the season nears its conclusion. However, Hurzeler is refusing to let discussions about European ambitions distract his squad.
“It’s not something we talk about. Our focus is on the next game,” he stated.
Brighton’s next challenge is a difficult away fixture against Manchester City, who will be looking to bounce back after their surprise 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier in the day.
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