Brighton extended their winning streak to four consecutive matches across all competitions with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, moving within two points of the Premier League summit. The win follows previous victories against Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as a Carabao Cup triumph at Old Trafford.
Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a driven shot, assisted by captain Pascal Gross. Gross, who was named Premier League Player of the Month for September, continues to be a key player for Brighton. "I compare Pascal to a good wine – the older the better," commented manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The team played with a new emphasis on effective football, moving away from being perceived as solely a "nice club." Hurzeler stated, "Defence wins games and we don't want to be this nice club anymore. We want to be a team who plays effective football and this was a good start."
Despite Pascal Struijk receiving a controversial red card in the 57th minute, Brighton's defense held firm. The dismissal, a result of a VAR intervention for a foul on Wilson Isidor, did not deter the visitors. Late in the match, substitute Jaouen Hadjam sealed the win with a powerful left-foot finish from a Georginio Rutter assist.
Sunderland struggled offensively, with striker Brian Brobbey absent due to injury and veteran captain Granit Xhaka unable to influence the midfield. Regis Le Bris' side found it difficult to create significant chances.
Brighton's upcoming fixtures include a Conference League match at home against Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris, while Sunderland will travel to face Portuguese outfit Torreense in the Europa League.
Match Facts:
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Danso, Reinildo Mandava (Bi 73); Xhaka, Sadiki; Meunier (Fofana 34), Le Fee (J Angulo 81), N Angulo (Methalie 73); Isidor.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Vuskvoci, Struijk, Boscagli (Costinha 68); Chema Andres, Gross, Gomez (Hadjam 88); Ayari (Rutter 88), De Cuyper (Yalcouye 68); Kostoulas (Dunk 60).
Goals: De Cuyper 53, Hadjam 90+3.
Sent off: Struijk.
Attendance: 47,196.