Report by Samuel Brady
Sub-edited by Sonny Turner
A controversial penalty awarded by VAR meant Southampton came from behind to take all three points against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium on MNF.
The Seagulls, playing in front of 2,000 of their home fans for the first time in ten months, went in front 25 minutes in via a Pascal Gross penalty after Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse handled the ball inside the penalty box.
Southampton pulled back level just before half-time when defender Jannik Vestergaard powerfully headed in following a corner.
The visitors piled the pressure on Brighton in the second half, and with just ten minutes to go, were awarded a penalty by VAR, which was dispatched by half time substitute Danny Ings, after Solly March was adjudged to have fouled Kyle Walker-Peters inside the box, despite looking outside of the penalty area.
Brighton desperately tried to work their way back into the game but ultimately couldn’t find a way through the Saints back line.
The result now means that Brighton remain in 16th on ten points, having failed to win at home since their 2-1 win against Arsenal at the restart of last season, whilst Southampton go up to fifth with 20 points.
Brighton’s next fixture is an away trip to Leicester City, whereas Southampton host bottom of the table Sheffield United.
