Brighton and Hove Albion have completed back to back away victories for the first time this season, getting their first win in nine games at Ipswich on Thursday and following that positive result with a 3rd win a row at Old Trafford.
The Seagulls put in an assured performance at Portman road where this season Albion have dropped points against the bottom 7 sides in the Premier League however, Albion were able to get the win over the line which has been a big struggle this season. In the first half the Seagulls weren’t quite up to scratch despite dominating the ball, but it was the Tractors that carried more slight threat on the counter attack with a few good long range shots where Bart Verbrugguen made some smart saves. But all in all not much concern yet not creating much themselves.
In the second half Fabain Hurzeler made a couple of small adjustments in terms of positioning and intensity and the Seagulls saw the benefits and after taking the lead through Mitoma in the 59th minute following O’Riley’s assist who was positionally aware of Mitoma. Brighton then looked vastly comfortable and had a period of attacking threat and were then able to capitalise on this good play and really establish their lead with Geogrinio scoring once again in East Anglia- with a neat turn and great finish. Good flick from Welbeck salvaged a poor free kick and, despite the time apart, their forward partnership and relationship on the pitch is still very strong.
The Seagulls then travelled to Manchester with a superb record against the Red Devils, 6 wins out of their last 7 games. They gained confidence after the bright start to the new year and started the game sharply and were able to show their early dominance with a goal. An excellent pin point pass from Baleba over the top where Mitoma was able to beat his man set up Minteh who tucked the ball away.
Albion’s wide men carried a lot of threat and looked dangerous against the unorganised defense of Manchester United. Brighton were then a bit passive and due to some sloppy play they allowed United back into the game. With a loose pass from Verbruggen causing Baleba to slightly impede on Zirkzee earning them a penalty and Fernandes equalised from the spot. But Albion were then able to regroup and see the game out to half time and reset and increase intensity levels once again and they reaped their rewards within the second period.
First some threat showed through the disallowed goal again from another poor free kick where the Seagulls thought they capitalised on-a composed turn and finish from Pedro which I think is testament to our attacking quality, the ability to make a chance from poor delivery. However, Van Hecke missed the ball and fouled Dilot in the build up so the goal was chalked off, which could of been a turning point for United but Albion persisted and quickly after took the lead again due to our wide players Minteh this time returning the favour crossing it to the back post for Mitoma to stab it home. He becomes the first Japanese player in Premier League history to score 15 goals which is a great achievement and really emphasises his vast quality and is with 2 goals in 2 games, hopefully his output continues to rise it can add to his already impeccable all round play. Minteh’s defensive work was so impressive and refreshing to see him putting in the hard yards to really help get the win for the Albion, credit to him.
The third goal saw the benefits of Solly March back in the team making a smart pass to Ayari to really open up the United defense who crossed it in where Onana attempted to claim but split and Georginio was able to pounce and score his 4th goal in 3 games. His form has been so impressive and has looked very clinical in the past week, he’s been a real asset from the bench and is knocking on the door to start. But with the return of Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro it’s extremely difficult to get in the team, as well as the promise shown from the wide men’s pace and skill on Sunday and I think it’s an important part to how Hurzeler plays to have natural wingers. However, if he keeps his hard working mentality opportunities will come for him to have a place in the first eleven. It’s so good to have this depth of quality as it pushes everyone to be at their best as the next player is ready and eager to take their place, this healthy competition is what continues to drive top teams.Rutter’s connection with the fans is also growing even more, he’s such a likeable character and alongside his celebrations with the Albion fans, he’s a special player and looking well worth the price tag, not just his quality of the ball his off the ball work rate is incredible this is due to his impeccable attitude to do whatever to help the team.
Ayari also vastly impressed on Sunday where he was able to portray his athleticism and technical ability on the ball. He really stopped up especially in the second halves of the last two games he’s good presser and looks comfortable with the ball at his feet is looking for the progressive option as well as putting a shift in breaking up play and keeping to the demands of the high intensity role in midfield alongside the class of Carlos Baleba. He’s got in the team almost against the odds as I’m sure not many Brighton fans expected him to be a starter at the start of the season, the Wieffer injury may of helped him establish his place but we have a lot of midfield options as well newly arrived Gomez making his debut and seeing out the victory. But it’s testament to him for continuing putting in solid performances and getting consistent runs of games. The Seagulls will continue to look up the table and challenge the European positions, still tight with lots of good competitors but need to keep putting these impressive performances in and try and establish their place as the season progresses.
