Danny Welbeck came off the bench to secure a vital 2-1 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion against Bournemouth in the Premier League, extending their winning run to three matches.
The forward netted the decisive goal in the 75th minute, just moments after replacing Joao Pedro, ensuring the Seagulls claimed all three points in a closely contested encounter.
Both sides entered the match with European qualification ambitions, making the clash at the Amex Stadium a crucial fixture.
Brighton took the lead in the first half through a Joao Pedro penalty, awarded after Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was adjudged to have fouled an opponent inside the box.
However, the visitors responded in the second half, with Justin Kluivert firing in a powerful equaliser to bring the Cherries back into contention.
Brighton prevails in hard-fought contest
Bournemouth, who had been in impressive form on the road, were missing key defender Illia Zabarnyi, who was suspended after failing to overturn a red card.
Manager Andoni Iraola handed starts to Tyler Adams and David Brooks, while Brighton introduced Diego Gomez for his Premier League debut.
The hosts started brightly, with Gomez making an instant impact by providing the assist for the opening penalty.
Bournemouth manager Iraola was left frustrated by the referee’s decision, but his side responded with greater intensity after the break.
The Cherries came close to turning the game around, with Dango Ouattara nearly putting them ahead, only to be denied by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
That missed opportunity proved costly, as Brighton capitalised shortly afterward.
Welbeck delivers the winner
Substitute Welbeck made an immediate impact, latching onto a well-placed pass from Georginio Rutter to restore Brighton’s lead.
Despite Bournemouth’s late push for an equaliser, including a last-gasp attempt from Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Seagulls held firm to see out the victory.
The win lifts Brighton to eighth place, level on points with Bournemouth but trailing on goal difference.
Meanwhile, the Cherries suffered their second consecutive defeat, denting their European aspirations.
For Brighton, the result keeps their hopes of securing a European spot alive, with Welbeck’s late heroics ensuring another valuable three points in their campaign.
