Joao Pedro scored a decisive, winning penalty in the 98th minute to earn three points for Brighton against Fulham, keeping their European dream alive.
It was a deserved win for the Seagulls, who pushed for the win throughout the second half, having the majority of the momentum and creating the most chances.
This result means that Brighton move up to sixth in the table, into the European competition qualification places, with fans at full time chanting: “Europe again ole ole”.
Brighton had the initiative compared to Fulham who were largely counter-attack dependant; this front-footed approach from Brighton was ultimately rewarding.
The first half of the tie was a quiet, cagey start to the game – both teams were ineffective and created very little.
That was until Fulham scored in the 35th minute, where Alex Iwobi sensationally carried the ball down the right-hand side, displaying his sheer pace, before delivering a superb cross into Jimenez who maintained composure to touch down the ball before firing his shot in at the near post.
Brighton’s response to going a goal down was swift, however, when Jan Paul Van Hecke subsequently headed the ball across goal, via the post, for his first ever Brighton goal in the 41st minute.
Brighton continued this momentum into the second half, as, in the 49th minute, Joao Pedro laid the ball off to Georginio Rutter who performed a wonderful flick to put the Brazilian 1v1 against the keeper, but his volley went just wide.
The home team continued to knock on the door, scoring a goal that was immediately disallowed for offside against Yankuba Minteh, who slid the ball across to Kaoru Mitoma for an easy tap-in.
Not long after, Simon Adingra came on as a substitute and almost made an instant impact, as he shot the ball into the back of the net, only for it to be disallowed again.
Fulham generated a couple of chances, mostly through the ingenuity of Alex Iwobi – but nothing of real substance that posed any tangible threat towards Brighton.
However, there was one player in particular that posed a real threat to Fulham: Joao Pedro.
The young man originating from Sao Paulo played with a swagger that simply cannot be taught; it is innate.
Every touch was intelligent, precise and calculated. He was often the outlet for his teammates to look for when they gained possession of the ball, as he is the player who can generate the most from the least supply.
There was no doubt that once he won the penalty, in the dying stages of the game, he would be the one to take it and subject himself to the pressure that came with it.
But, as is often said, ‘pressure makes diamonds’. Joao Pedro is the diamond.
Despite a lengthy delay, the Brazilian showed his composure by placing the penalty into the bottom corner and giving Brighton the three points. His nonchalant celebration underlined the confidence that he possesses and is why I believe that he is destined for greatness.
Speaking after the game, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said “He [Joao Pedro] trains it a lot.”
“It’s not only about shooting a penalty, it’s about understanding that it’s a situation full of pressure, everyone looks at you, you have to stay calm and find the right technique and find the right corner – so I think it’s also a quality to score that many goals by a penalty.”
There is no doubt that Joao Pedro has perfected his technique. Practice has made precision which, coupled with his ice-cold mentality, makes him an irrepressible force from 12 yards.
This win, inspired by the Brazilian forward, further cements Brighton’s position as European-contenders.
Their recent form has arrived at the perfect time, and, if the rising star can continue to be a messianic figure for his team, they’ll have a great chance of competing in Europe next season.