Brighton defeated Brentford 2-1 at the Amex on Wednesday night to earn just their second Premier League victory in nine outings.
The Bees took the lead thanks to a penalty kick from Bryan Mbeumo, but goals from Pascal Gross and academy graduate Jack Hinshelwood came either side of halftime.
Given how often this season Albion has let leads slip, the outcome was a relief. In eighth place and with a chance to qualify for the Champions League, the Seagulls continue.
By the way, these are a few discussion points from the meeting.
Defensive issues
Brighton is still waiting for a spotless record this year. They still appear susceptible, especially in set pieces, with or without the captain, even without the suspended Lewis Dunk.
When they win the initial ball into the box—from a corner, free kick, or throw-in—it appears to be extremely uncommon. Large gaps at the back might arise despite their possession and opportunities, and Brentford was not far from taking advantage of that. On the other hand, Igor Julio appears to be a refined gentleman in the back. With that left foot in possession, the Brazilian exudes calmness both offensively and defensively, and he has good game reading skills. In any case, Albion needs to start keeping a clean sheet in order to increase their chances of winning.
Dangerman is back
Possibly Brighton’s best player is Kaoru Mitoma. After missing Japan’s most recent international series in November due to injury, he has been gradually returning in recent weeks, but this performance was nearly his finest. He easily defeated Mads Roerslev in their match, assisted Gross in tying the score, and contributed to the second goal as well. For the hosts, he was the go-to person who could make something out of nothing, and he consistently succeeded in doing so. Because of his menace, the opposing team usually lines up with two players on the Japanese winger, who also makes space for others. The Seagulls will pose an even greater threat if he can maintain his fitness.
The gift that keeps on giving
As has been stated numerous times, Brighton only paid Gross £3 million in 2017. Since then, in 254 club appearances, he has accrued 31 goals and 43 assists. Despite playing as a left-back, the 32-year-old’s aggressive play earned him the title of man of the match. In addition to creating numerous opportunities for his teammates, he scored his goal with a precise finish and skillfully stood the ball up to the far post to help Hinshelwood score his first goal for the Sussex team. Week in and week out, the dependable German will perform no matter what role you give him.
Academy dreams
Hinshelwood, who is eighteen years old, is the club’s most recent youth setup success story. With this team, the family name is well-established, but the teenager has the potential to be the best. The midfielder, who has recently appeared in games as a full-back, exudes confidence and maturity well above his years, and it is obvious that he has a bright future ahead of him. He not only demonstrated his athleticism with a fantastic header leap, but he also made a vital goalline clearing in the second half to keep their lead intact. Given Brighton’s extensive injury list, Hinshelwood’s outstanding first-team debut is a major plus for head coach Roberto De Zerbi. He ate up the last celebrations and
