Brighton vs Bournemouth Report

Scorers:  Pedro 12’ (P), Welbeck 75’; Kluivert 61’

Brighton & Hove Albion ended AFC Bournemouth’s seven-game unbeaten away streak in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium, thanks to a late winner from substitute Danny Welbeck.

The victory sees the Seagulls move up to eighth in the table, level on points with their South Coast rivals.

Brighton Take Early Lead Amid Controversy

The hosts began the match on the front foot, and Diego Gómez – making his first Premier League start – wasted no time in making an impact.

The Paraguayan midfielder played an incisive through ball to Kaoru Mitoma, but the Japanese winger failed to find the target.

Gómez’s next defence-splitting pass had far greater consequences. The ball found João Pedro, who went down under a challenge from Kepa Arrizabalaga, leading referee Michael Oliver to award a penalty.

The decision appeared harsh, but Pedro made no mistake from the spot, sending Kepa the wrong way and coolly rolling the ball into the net to hand Brighton a deserved lead.

Bournemouth Respond But Brighton Hold Firm

Bournemouth sought to find an equaliser before half-time, with Antoine Semenyo racing in behind the high Brighton defensive line, only to see his effort denied by Bart Verbruggen.

At the other end, Brighton almost doubled their advantage, but Mitoma’s volley from Tariq Lamptey’s pinpoint cross rattled the upright, ensuring the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Kluivert’s Stunning Equaliser Revives Bournemouth

After the restart, Brighton were disciplined in their defensive approach, determined to keep out a Bournemouth side that entered the match as the second-highest away scorers in the league.

However, the Cherries eventually broke through in the 61st minute, courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from Justin Kluivert. The Dutchman cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful strike past Verbruggen to restore parity.

With that goal, Kluivert became the first Bournemouth player to score 10 away goals in a top-flight season, marking a historic personal milestone. However, his joy was short-lived.

Welbeck’s Instant Impact Secures the Win

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler introduced Danny Welbeck in the 73rd minute, and the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker made an immediate impact.

Just three minutes after coming on, he was played through by Georginio Rutter and expertly guided the ball in off the far post, securing a crucial win for the Seagulls.

What This Means

• Brighton: The victory sees Brighton rise to eighth in the table, level on points with seventh-placed Bournemouth. With back-to-back league wins, Hürzeler’s side are gathering momentum as they push for European qualification.
• Bournemouth: A rare away defeat dents the Cherries’ impressive run, but they remain firmly in the mix for a European spot. Andoni Iraola’s men will look to bounce back in their next outing.

Final Thoughts

Welbeck’s late winner underlined the impact of experience and depth in Brighton’s squad, as the Seagulls earned a valuable three points in their European push. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities but still remain in the hunt for a top-seven finish.

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Brighton v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League