Yankuba Minteh added to his Premier League tally with an assist during Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, as the Gambian international continued to show flashes of his creative ability in an otherwise frustrating outing for the Seagulls.
Brighton found themselves trailing almost immediately when Crystal Palace took the lead in the third minute at the Amex Stadium.
The early goal set the tone for much of the first half, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side forced to chase the game from the outset after a sluggish start.
However, the hosts managed to claw their way back into the contest thanks to Minteh’s decisive contribution just past the half-hour mark.
The 20-year-old winger delivered a smart pass into the path of Danny Welbeck, who made no mistake in slotting home Brighton’s equaliser in the 31st minute.
It was a well-worked move and one of the few bright moments in an otherwise disjointed performance by the home side.
Minteh’s assist was his fourth of the Premier League campaign, and it marked his ninth goal contribution in 25 league appearances this season, having also scored five goals.
Despite those encouraging statistics, the Gambian forward had a relatively subdued afternoon, struggling to impose himself consistently against Palace’s disciplined defence.
He was withdrawn from the match in the 72nd minute as Brighton searched for fresh ideas in the final third.
The momentum from Welbeck’s equaliser failed to carry into the second half, and Brighton’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Crystal Palace restored their lead late on.
The visitors capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the Brighton defence, leaving the Seagulls with little time to find a response.
Brighton enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but lacked the cutting edge required to break down Palace’s compact defensive setup.
Despite several promising phases of play, they struggled to convert chances into goals and were ultimately punished for their lack of ruthlessness.
For Minteh, the assist offers a small personal milestone, even if it came in a losing effort.
The young Gambian continues to develop under De Zerbi’s guidance, and his growing involvement in Brighton’s attacking play will be seen as a positive sign for the remainder of the season.
However, his quiet overall display on Saturday highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency at the highest level.
Crystal Palace’s victory was a significant one, not just for the result but for the confidence it will give them heading into the final stretch of the season.
For Brighton, the defeat is a setback in their pursuit of a strong finish in the Premier League, and the pressure is mounting to rediscover their early-season form.
Minteh and his teammates will now regroup as they prepare for their next league fixture, with both fans and coaching staff hoping for a more complete team performance.
While the 20-year-old has proven his ability to make a difference in key moments, the Seagulls will need a collective improvement if they are to reverse their current dip in form.
