Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-1 in a fun South Coast derby on Tuesday, as both teams continue to scrap away for European qualification.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have now won four in a row in all competitions and have put themselves right back in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
WATCH – Brighton vs Bournemouth full match replay
Joao Pedro gave Brighton the lead but both team kept on creating chances and Justin Kluivert scored a screamer to grab a deserved equalizer for Bournemouth.
Late on substitute Danny Welbeck won it for Brighton in a brilliant, open game. Brighton move on to 43 points, the same number as Bournemouth, but the Cherries sit above the Seagulls on goal difference.
The Seagulls are back to their best
Defensively there were some issues, but that was more about Bournemouth being very good and pressing teams high to win it back. In midfield and attack the Seagulls are back in a big way. Baleba won the ball back so many times. Rutter, Mitoma, Joao Pedro and Minteh were brilliant on both sides of the ball. Welbeck came off the bench to use his experience and grab the winner. The 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest earlier in February was embarrassing. But it could have actually been the best thing to happen to Brighton’s season. Before that they were drifting along and not making the most of their great start under Hurzeler. That defeat against Forest made Brighton’s players and Hurzeler angry. They’ve responded in the best possible way and now they’re right back in the hunt for Champions League qualification. If Brighton can get injured players back, especially in defense, they’re set to keep improving late in the season as their hunger and fiery edge has been reignited.
Brighton vs Bournemouth player ratings (via FotMob.com)
What’s next?
Brighton head to Newcastle in the FA Cup last 16 on Sunday, then host Fulham on Saturday, March 8. Bournemouth host Wolves in the FA Cup last 16 on Saturday, then head to Tottenham on Sunday, March 9.
Brighton vs Bournemouth score: 2-1
Pedro 12′, Welbeck 75′; Kluivert 61′
Brighton vs Bournemouth live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Welbeck scores off the bench! — Brighton 2-1 Bournemouth
Danny Welbeck jumps off the bench and scores right away to put Brighton ahead ahead. Rutter plays Welbeck in and he calmly slots it home. What a sub from Hurzeler! That is totally against the run of play. It has been all Bournemouth in the second half.
Great stop from Verbruggen
Bournemouth win the ball back again and Verbruggen does really well to smother a shot from close range. Ouattara and Scott both got there at the same time and Bournemouth thought they had scored.
What a goal from Kluivert! — Brighton 1-1 Bournemouth
Well, that is a contender for goal of the season. Justin Kluivert cuts in from the left, beats multiple players and smashes a stunning dipping shot into the far corner. That is sensational. Bournemouth deservedly level.
Mitoma hits the post!
Nearly an amazing goal from Mitoma. A rapid Brighton attack sees a cross come in from the right from Lamptey and Mitoma keeps his balance brilliantly before sending an acrobatic volley towards the far post. But he hits said post. Nearly a beauty of a goal.
Semenyo denied by Verbruggen
Bournemouth are in again. Semenyo charges into the box and his shot is saved well by Verbruggen who stands tall.
It has been all Bournemouth for a while
They have responded well to going behind, the Cherries. Semenyo is buzzing around and Kluivert has just had a shot blocked.
Semenyo almost knocks home
A cross into the box deflects off two Brighton defenders and then hits Semenyo on the shin from close range and flies wide. This game is so open!
Penalty kick to Brighton… Pedro slots home! — Brighton 1-0 Bournemouth
Bournemouth aren’t happy about it but Brighton are ahead. Joao Pedro is in and Huijsen gives him a little nudge. Pedro goes over Kepa as he comes out and a penalty kick is given. There is contact there and I guess Kepa wasn’t in control of his slide, but that is still pretty harsh.
Mitoma slots wide
Gomez plays a wonderful through ball to Mitoma and he’s beaten Cook to it. With Kepa caught of his line, Mitoma slots wide. That looked certain to be a goal.
Rutter heads wide
Brighton are growing into the game and Minteh’s cross causes chaos. Kepa comes out and makes a mess of the punch, then Rutter heads wide.
Excellent save from Verbruggen
Almost a sensational start for the Cherries! Christie is played in and his shot across goal was going in but Verburggen saves.
Brighton lineup
Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Joao Pedro
Bournemouth lineup
Kepa; Cook, Hill, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara
Brighton team news, focus
Rutter, Joao Pedro, Minteh and Mitoma are ripping teams to shreds and Brighton have realized that attack is their best form of defense. They are so much fun to watch and so quick when they win the ball back high. Baleba has been excellent in central midfield.
OUT: Igor Julio (hamstring), Jason Steele (shoulder), James Milner (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) | QUESTIONABLE: Lewis Dunk (lower back)
Bournemouth team news, focus
Iraola will have to make a change at center back with Zabarnyi out due to suspension. James Hill or even Tyler Adams may have to slot in at center back. Evanilson is back, which is a big bonus, and he’s an option off the bench.
OUT: Enes Unal (knee), Julian Araujo (thigh), Marcos Senesi (thigh), Adam Smith (knock), Illia Zabarnyi (suspension)
Brighton vs Bournemouth prediction
This feels like it will be a really fun game. Both teams love to press high and have in-form, talented attacking midfielders. Expect plenty of goals. Brighton 2-2 Bournemouth.
Brighton vs Bournemouth preview
The Seagulls breezed past Southampton on Saturday, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side winning 4-0 and it could have been much more. After three-straight wins in all competitions (two against Chelsea and one against Saints), the Seagulls are back on track and have reacted marvelously to their hammering at Nottingham Forest earlier in the month. They are now just three points behind Bournemouth heading into this game.
Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Wolves at the weekend as Zabarnyi was sent off in the first half and they never really recovered. Andoni Iraola’s side looked shattered after being stretched to their limits in recent weeks and even though they’ve now lost back-to-back home games, they’re still in a fine position and in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Any Cherries fans will have taken this position at the start of this season.
How to watch Brighton vs Bournemouth live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 2:30pm ET Tuesday (February 25)
Venue: Amex Stadium — Falmer
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
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