Brighton 2 Brentford 1
As Brighton welcomed Brentford to the Amex Stadium, these were two teams who have been hit heavily by injuries at the moment. If the situation worsens, they may have more people in their treatment rooms than they do in the stands.
The Bees started in positive mood as they played some neat one-touch passing. It saw Janelt weave his way into the box as he was hauled to ground by van Hecke. It was an easy decision for the referee and the VAR review took no time at all.
Bryan Mbuemo stepped up and rolled the ball into the bottom corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. He has been the star of this Brentford side this season with Ivan Toney suspended and is integral for Thomas Frank.
Brighton started trying to get the ball more to the feet of the influential Mitoma, who on this occasion drew in the defenders before passing it back to Gross. The skipper took one touch before drilling his shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC
The German midfielder is often underrated but he makes this side tick and is Roberto de Zerbi’s leader on the pitch. He often pops up with important goals for The Seagulls and his calm head compliments the flair of this team.
Things went from bad to worse for Thomas Frank as Mbuemo went to ground injured. He will be annoyed that the hosts continued the game without putting the ball out so his player could be treated. The replay showed he seemed to turn his ankle.
If the injury is anything to do with his ligaments, he could be out for some time, which would really deplete Brentford. Toney is back from his ban in January but with a hectic Christmas fixture schedule, they can ill-afford to lose such an attacking threat.
Pascal Gross almost turned from hero to villain as he was caught dwelling on the ball by Onyeka. He ran into the box before feeding Maupay, whose shot was blocked. Wissa followed up but his effort was cleared off the line by Hinshelwood.
Gross then repaid the youngster for his defending as he stood a ball up to the back post for Hinshelwood to head home to give Brighton the lead. It was his first senior goal and the youngster certainly enjoyed the occasion.
As Brentford were awarded a free kick, desperately seeking an equaliser, Wissa looked to knock the ball out of Gilmour’s hands. As he swiped at the ball, he brushed his hand across the Brighton midfielder’s face. He went to ground like he had been headbutted.
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC
Fortunately for Thomas Frank, VAR reviewed and decided it was as ridiculous as it looked in slow motion. Gilmour went down easier than ‘Black Friday’ retail prices. Even by the letter of the law, it would have been a harsh decision to say he touched his face whatsoever.
Adingra continued to cause problems for the visitors and won a late corner. As the ball was whipped in by Gilmour, it reached Adingra on the edge of the box. He volleyed towards goal but Flekken got down well to make the save.
The Seagulls took all three points and moved up to eighth in the league. Brentford stay mid-table and Thomas Frank may need to get some more physios in after yet another injury picked up in this game. January cannot come soon enough for The Bees.
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