Danny Welbeck inspired Brighton & Hove Albion to a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, boosting their push for a top-eight Premier League finish.
Welbeck, who has Ghanaian heritage through his parents, played a pivotal role in the win, converting a crucial first-half penalty to steer his side to their fourth consecutive away triumph against Wolves.
After a narrow defeat to Manchester City ended their six-match unbeaten run, Brighton entered the contest eager to regain momentum.
However, it was the hosts who looked more threatening in the early exchanges, with Goncalo Guedes volleying over from a Matheus Cunha free-kick and Marshall Munetsi seeing his low effort blocked.
Brighton thought they had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Welbeck poked the ball into the net, only for the effort to be controversially ruled out for offside in the buildup.
The setback did little to dampen the Seagulls’ spirit, and their persistence paid off minutes later when Cunha clumsily brought down Mats Wieffer in the area.
Welbeck, undeterred, stepped up and coolly slotted home his 10th Premier League goal of the season, putting the visitors ahead.
Wolves responded with urgency, pressing for an equalizer before halftime, but Munetsi squandered a couple of promising openings, allowing Brighton to reach the interval with their narrow lead intact.
As the second half unfolded, Wolves pushed for a leveller, with Cunha coming closest as his curling effort from distance forced a sharp save from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
However, the Seagulls remained resolute, with their defense effectively snuffing out the hosts’ attempts to claw their way back into the game.
Brighton sealed the win in the 85th minute when substitute Brajan Gruda latched onto a well-weighted Simon Adingra pass, calmly lifting his shot over Jose Sa to secure a vital three points for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
