Brighton Ends Bournemouth’s Away Streak to Climb to Eighth in the Premier League

Danny Welbeck’s first Premier League goal since October was crucial in securing a 2-1 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion over Bournemouth, halting the Cherries’ remarkable seven-match unbeaten streak on the road in the league.

Making his debut Premier League start, Diego Gomez quickly showcased his creativity by slicing through the Bournemouth defence, assisting Kaoru Mitoma, who unfortunately shot wide.

However, Gomez’s next incisive pass resulted in a penalty when referee Michael Oliver, perhaps a bit harshly, deemed that Kepa Arrizabalaga had fouled Joao Pedro.

The Chelsea loanee couldn’t rectify his error from the penalty spot, as he guessed incorrectly, allowing Pedro to delicately place the ball into the opposite corner.

One of Bournemouth’s key players, Antoine Semenyo, had a chance to equalise shortly after the half-hour mark. He broke through Brighton’s high line but ended up directing his shot straight at the determined Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton then had their own chance to extend their lead, but Mitoma squandered another opportunity, volleying against the post from a perfectly weighted ball by Tariq Lamptey, leaving the score at 1-0 at the end of an exciting first half at the Amex Stadium.

After half-time, the Seagulls demonstrated tenacity, aiming to hinder a Bournemouth team that had arrived as one of the league’s top away goal scorers.

Brighton held firm until Justin Kluivert produced a spectacular equaliser in the 61st minute, cutting in from the left and firing an unstoppable shot past Verbruggen.

This goal also marked Kluivert as the first Bournemouth player to net 10 away goals in a top-flight season.

Sadly for Kluivert, his moment of glory was short-lived; within three minutes of his introduction, Welbeck found the net again for Brighton, slotting the ball in off the far post after being played through by Georginio Rutter.

Welbeck’s timely goal confirmed a vital three points for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, elevating them to eighth position on the table and equal on points with seventh-placed Bournemouth.