Brighton secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in a thrilling English Premier League clash.
Danny Welbeck was the hero, scoring a late winner to extend Brighton’s winning streak to four matches in all competitions.
Welbeck the Game Changer
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler praised Welbeck’s impact, calling him a “leader” after his crucial goal.
The striker came on as a substitute and found the net just three minutes later.
He latched onto a brilliant pass from Georginio Rutter and slotted the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga with a composed left-footed finish.
This goal was Welbeck’s first since October 26 and brought his Premier League tally for Brighton to 30.
He now shares the record for most top-flight goals for the club with Pascal Gross.
“If you have Danny Welbeck on the bench, you always think about when to bring him on,” said Hurzeler. “He deserved that goal. His leadership is so important for our young players.”
Brighton Strike First
The game started at a high tempo, with both sides creating early chances.
Brighton took the lead through Joao Pedro, who converted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Arrizabalaga.
Kaoru Mitoma almost doubled the lead before halftime, but his effort struck the post.
Bournemouth’s Fightback
Bournemouth came out stronger in the second half and found an equalizer through Justin Kluivert.
The winger received a pass from Milos Kerkez, cut inside, and fired an unstoppable shot past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The visitors pushed for a second goal, with Dango Ouattara coming close, but Verbruggen made a crucial save.
Bournemouth looked dangerous, but they failed to convert their chances.
Welbeck’s Decisive Moment
With the game heading toward a draw, Welbeck stepped up in the 85th minute. The experienced forward showed his class by finishing clinically, securing all three points for Brighton.
This win lifted Brighton to eighth place in the standings, level on points with Bournemouth in seventh.
The Seagulls have now beaten Chelsea twice, Southampton, and Bournemouth in their last four matches. Their European dreams remain alive.
Bournemouth Left Frustrated
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth had been on an eight-match unbeaten run away from home.
They started well, with Ryan Christie forcing Verbruggen into an early save. Christie later suffered an injury, disrupting Bournemouth’s rhythm.
Antoine Semenyo had a great chance to score before halftime but shot straight at the Brighton keeper. Kluivert’s stunning strike gave them hope, but their missed opportunities cost them dearly.
Ouattara had the chance to put them ahead, but his close-range effort was saved.
Bournemouth remain two points off the top five but have now collected only three points from their last four league games. This is their worst run since October.
“It’s tough to accept,” Iraola admitted. “We played as well as Brighton, if not better. But in football, finishing your chances is what matters.”
Brighton’s European Dream
Since their 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in early February, Brighton have turned their season around.
With big wins over top teams, they are now firmly in the race for European qualification.
New signings like Diego Gomez have impressed, and the team is showing strong attacking potential.
With Welbeck back on the scoresheet, Brighton will be confident heading into their next matches.
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