Brighton launched a superb comeback to beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, with Roberto De Zerbi’s half time subs having a big impact.
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Bournemouth deservedly took the lead after a mistake from Bart Verbruggen allowed Dominic Solanke to chip home. But right on half time Milos Kerkez headed into his own net to make it 1-1 and Brighton never looked back.
Half time subs Ansu Fati and Kaoru Mitoma combined to see the latter finish and then Mitoma headed home his second and Brighton’s third late on to seal the win, although Bournemouth did have a few chances to set up a wild finish.
Brighton have now picked up 15 points from a possible 18 to start the season, while Bournemouth have yet to win and have just three points to their name.
Sluggish Brighton have enough quality to get the job done
This wasn’t pretty but after their defeat to AEK Athens in the Europa League on Thursday, Brighton surged back after a sloppy start and got the job done. Bournemouth dominated the first half but Roberto De Zerbi made the right changes at half time as Fati and Mitoma did the damage right away. Playing on Thursday and Sunday is a new challenge for this Brighton side and they struggled with their intensity in the first half. They will learn how to manage that and RDZ showed he can rotate his side expertly to get the job done. The Seagulls took a nosedive but as they often do, they recovered to soar.
What’s next?
Brighton head to Aston Villa on Saturday, Sept. 30, while Bournemouth host Arsenal on the same day.
How to watch Brighton vs Bournemouth live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 9 am ET, Sunday (Sept. 24)
TV: USA Network
Online: Watch online via NBCSports.com
Game. Set. Match.
Pervis Estupinan crosses and Mitoma heads home. What an impact the Japanese star has had after coming on at half time.
At the other end Bournemouth almost pull one back right away but Brighton Dunk clears heroically off their line.
The Cherries have given plenty to this game and they continue to pour forward in search of an equalizer.
Brighton have been clinical but do Bournemouth have that type of finisher in their ranks?
They need someone to stand up in the final 20 minutes if they’re going to get anything from this game.
Wow. The two subs combine to give Brighton the lead less than 30 seconds into the second half.
Ansu Fati finds Mitoma to finish and the Seagulls are ahead.
That is exactly what Roberto De Zerbi wanted from his subs.
A slow start from the hosts and Bournemouth were deservedly ahead but the Seagulls are back level just before the break.
It will be an intriguing second half now.
That was coming. Brighton had improved.
A dangerous cross into the box from Billy Gilmour is flicked into his own net by Kerkez. 1-1 just before half time.
Brighton maybe don’t deserve it, but they are level.
Nightmare for Brighton.
Verbruggen is charged down by Christie and the loose ball falls to Solanke who clips it home.
Bournemouth deserve that goal. Brighton have been all over the place.
The visitors have started well and Christie flashes a shot just wide.
De Zerbi is prowling along the touchline. He doesn’t look happy with what what he’s seen so far.
Brighton have made a lot of changes and are struggling to find their rhythm.
Bournemouth make one change from their team which drew with Chelsea last time out, as Kluivert comes in for Ouattara.
Ready for #BHABOU 🙌 pic.twitter.com/U69nsmW7PL
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) September 24, 2023
Roberto De Zerbi rotates his team heavily after their defeat to AEK Athens on Thursday, with the likes of Verbruggen, Dunk, Ferguson and Buonanotte all coming in.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨👀 Here's our starting XI to take on @AFCBournemouth today. 📝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 24, 2023
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/DLdoRNdGYa
Bournemouth injuries
OUT: Alex Scott (knee), Ryan Fredericks (calf), Emiliano Marcondes (ankle), Tyler Adams (hamstring)
Brighton & Hove Albion injuries
OUT: Julio Enciso (knee), Jakub Moder (knee), James Milner (undisclosed) | QUESTIONABLE: Evan Ferguson (knee), Pascal Gross (undisclosed), Lewis Dunk (undisclosed)