Welbeck’s Late Winner Extends Brighton’s Winning Streak Against Bournemouth

Danny Welbeck scored a late winner as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Bournemouth 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, extending the Seagulls’ winning run in all competitions to four matches. Welbeck’s 87th-minute strike, his first goal since October, also saw him equal Pascal Gross’s record for most Premier League goals for Brighton (30).

Brighton took the lead in an entertaining first half through a Joao Pedro penalty. Pedro was brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after latching onto a fine pass from January signing Diego Gomez. Kaoru Mitoma then struck the post for the hosts.

Bournemouth, however, responded strongly in the second half. Justin Kluivert equalized with a superb individual effort, cutting in from the left and rifling a shot past Bart Verbruggen. The goal made Kluivert the first Bournemouth player to score 10 away goals in a Premier League season, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (16) scoring more on the road this term.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but Verbruggen produced a point-blank save to deny Dango Ouattara. That save proved crucial, as Welbeck, a late substitute for Pedro, secured the victory for Brighton. He raced onto Georginio Rutter’s pass and calmly slotted the ball past Arrizabalaga.

Brighton’s European Hopes Reignited

The victory lifts Brighton to eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with seventh-placed Bournemouth. After a 7-0 thrashing by Nottingham Forest at the beginning of February, Brighton have responded emphatically, winning their next four matches, including two against Chelsea (one in the league and one in the FA Cup) and now this one.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler praised Welbeck’s impact and leadership: “If you have Danny Welbeck, you think every second when to bring him on [from the bench]. He got what he deserved today. The most important thing for me is that he is there as a leader. [He is] so important for the young players… He’s a cool man. The public and media always judge strikers by scoring goals. It’s important we have strikers who can score, but we know the quality of Danny Welbeck.”

Hurzeler made two changes to the side that beat Southampton 4-0, with Pervis Estupinan returning from injury and Diego Gomez making his first start. Gomez, in particular, impressed with his creative passing.

Bournemouth’s Away Run Ends

Bournemouth, entering the match on an eight-match unbeaten run away from home, will be disappointed not to have extended that streak. Ryan Christie forced an early save from Verbruggen, but was later forced off with an apparent groin injury.

Despite Kluivert’s impressive goal and Ouattara’s chance, Bournemouth ultimately paid the price for their missed opportunities. The Cherries remain just two points off the top five, but their recent form – only three points from their last four league matches – represents their worst run since October.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said: “It’s difficult [to accept the result], because we played well. We played as good as, if not better than, Brighton. They were better in the two boxes – this is what counts in football.”