Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-1 to blow open the race for a Champions league spot.
Joao Pedro’s penalty and a Danny Welbeck winner secured the hosts their third successive win in the Premier League, and sees the Seagulls rise level on points with Bournemouth on 43.
Both sides provided performances typical of their playstyles – threatening on the attack, vulnerable defensively, and wasteful with their chances.
Such was seen in the first ten minutes. Ryan Christie’s shot under two minutes in was saved by Bart Verbruggen, whilst Kaoru Mitoma poked his shot wide after being played in behind by Diego Gomez.
Pedro’s penalty ten minutes in encapsulated the frenzied opening to the game. Only two minutes after an unconvincing punched clearance, Kepa brought down Pedro, and the Brazilian sent the Bournemouth goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.
It took a special finish from Justin Kluivert to level the game on the hour mark. The Dutchman wrapped his strike from distance into the top corner to score his 10th league away goal in eight games – no Bournemouth player has ever scored more away goals in the Premier League.
Under 15 minutes later, Brighton took the lead through substitute Welbeck, who rolled his shot in with his first touch just three minutes after coming on.
The Cherries continued to threaten, but Brighton held firm – a last-ditch Yankuba Minteh tackle on Kluivert late on was met with a roar from the Amex faithful.
The victory marks Brighton’s fourth consecutive Amex win over the Cherries.
