Brighton secured a huge win away at Sunderland on Saturday, as Yankuba Minteh’s strange second half goal was the difference at the Stadium of Light.
WATCH — Full match replay
Sunderland had the better chances in the first half and early in the second half but Minteh’s bizarre shank somehow went in and Brighton held on to a vital three points easily.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have moved on to 40 points and surged up the table and towards the European spots once again. They jump above Sunderland who sit on 40 points but their poor second half of the season continues.
Seagulls win ugly
Fabian Hurzeler was upset with Arsenal’s tactics in their narrow win at Brighton last week but his side took a leaf out of Arsenal’s book to win ugly at Sunderland. The Seagulls’ season has been meandering along for some time but they’re now right back in the hunt for European qualification. They didn’t create much and weren’t great at the back but they did what that had to do to get over the line at Sunderland, a very tough place to go. Brighton have been swashbuckling during many games this season but haven’t got the results they deserved. The opposite was true at Sunderland and perhaps Hurzeler will instruct his side to channel their inner Arsenal a little more in the months ahead.
What’s next?
Sunderland head to Newcastle for a massive derby at St James’ Park next Sunday, while Brighton host Liverpool next Saturday.
Sunderland vs Brighton score: 0-1
Minteh 58'
Sunderland vs Brighton live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Minteh scuffs in a bizarre goal!
A corner works it way back out to Minteh and he scuffs a shot with his right foot that somehow sneaks in. Van Hecke was in the way of Ellborg and Diarra wanted a foul in the box after a push by Dunk, but the goal stands.
Brobbey smashes over
More of the same in the second half as Brian Brobbey smashes over the bar from a good position with several teammates nearby. Brighton got lucky as they overplayed at the back.
Good stop from Verbruggen
Geertruida with a smart effort but Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen does well to push it away. Sunderland are well on top now.
Xhaka is not happy at all...
Granit Xhaka is kicking off at Van Hecke. He really isn’t happy at something that has happened.
Great block to deny Rigg!
Talbi dances into the box and crosses for Rigg, but his shot from close range is blocked superbly.
Talbi’s effort cleared off the line!
Sunderland so close to taking the lead. Talbi’s effort is going in but Dunk clears off the line.
Sunderland lineup
Ellborg; Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra; Talbi, Brobbey, Rigg
Brighton lineup
Verburggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Milner, Hinshelwood, Gross; Minteh, Gomez; Welbeck
Sunderland team news, focus
OUT: Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Bertrand Traore (knee) ) | QUESTIONABLE: Dennis Cirkin (thigh), Reinildo (knee), Nordi Mukiele (calf), Brian Brobbey (groin), Robin Roefs (thigh
Brighton team news, focus
OUT: Adam Webster (knee), Stefanos Tzimas (unspecified) | QUESTIONABLE: Kaoru Mitoma (ankle)
Sunderland vs Brighton preview - By Nick Mendola
Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton are on an uptick in form despite a Week 29 loss to Arsenal stopping their run of wins at two. The Seagulls have 37 points and can still do the math that finds them a path into European soccer next season, but their path to points has often leaned hard on goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
That math almost has to include beating 11th place Sunderland and passing them via goal differential. Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats ended a month-long wait for a win when they took down Leeds United at Elland Road in Week 29, and now hope that their home digs can help them make it four of six points against Brighton this season. This is Sunderland’s last match before they bid to sweep rivals Newcastle with a Tyne-Wear derby win at St. James’ Park.
Sunderland vs Brighton prediction
Brighton are slight favorites, especially as Sunderland’s early season power at the Stadium of Light dwindled last month with losses to Liverpool and Fulhma. With Brighton, it’s a become a question of goals. They’ve scored two goals three times in 2026 and are 3-0. In their other seven games they’ve scored one or fewer and are 3D-4L. Sunderland 1-1 Brighton.
How to watch Sunderland vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 11am ET Saturday
Venue: Stadium of Light — Monkwearmouth, Sunderland
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch on USA Network
