Brighton 3 Bournemouth 1
Roberto de Zerbi’s side welcomed Bournemouth to the Amex Stadium after a disappointing late defeat to AEK Athens in the Europa League on Thursday. It was their first game in European football and the landmark moment was marred by the result.
The focus now was on their south coast rivals, looking to bounce back and continue their impressive start to the season. The Cherries were still looking for their first win of the season as they started the game at the wrong end of the table, having gone ten Premier League games without a win.
Bournemouth started well and when Billing found Solanke in the box, he dwelled on it for too long and went to ground looking for a penalty but the referee and VAR studio did not agree at all.
Verbruggen then came out to clear the ball and his effort was blocked by Christie with ball breaking to Solanke who was able to lift his shot over the keeper and into the back of the net as the away end went wild.
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC
The Seagulls tried to find an equaliser but Bournemouth were getting bodies back and able to block every shot that Brighton rained in on goal. As Gilmour lifted a ball into the box, Kerkez got a head to it, flicking it past his own keeper to get the hosts level.
As the second half started, de Zerbi rang the changes and they had an immediate impact as two of the substitutes combined. Mitoma picked up the ball and ran towards goal, he played it to Fati who fed it back to him before the impressive winger slotted the ball home.
The Amex Stadium was bouncing as they felt they had deserved their lead but Bournemouth were paying the price for not taking the chances they had created in the first half. Brighton continued to pile the pressure on the visitors.
Estupinan whipped a cross in from the left wing, finding Mitoma in the box, and his deft header put it past Neto giving Brighton a two-goal cushion against their local rivals. The half time changes seemed to have swung this game into their favour.
Bournemouth continued to carve out some chances but the last-ditch defending by Brighton prevented them from being able to get a goal to make a nervy end to this game. It summed up The Cherries’ start to the season, creating chances but lacking that clinical edge.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side continued their impressive start to the season and saw themselves move to third in the table, more importantly, they had got bragging rights over their south coast neighbours. Things are looking bright for The Seagulls where as it is a completely different feeling for Bournemouth who are still searching for that elusive first win.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.