Brighton and Hove Albion won comfortably against already-relegated Wolves at the Amex today. The Sussex sunshine shone upon some beautiful football, making the dull moments feel that little bit brighter.
It all started in the first 37 seconds, as Jack Hinshelwood opened the scoring in rapid fashion. A looping header ended up in the top corner of the Wolves’ net. Only a brief few minutes later, Albion had doubled their lead. Another header, this time from captain Lewis Dunk.
The local duo didn’t only score impressively, but kick-started the belief in the fans that European qualification is actually possible this season. Albion have not had it easy, and there was something poetic about the two boys from Brighton making the dream a possible reality.
Unfortunately, 10-man Bournemouth beat 10-man Fulham in a strange game at Craven Cottage. This result puts the Cherries above Albion with the same number of games played. Bournemouth have an additional two points, with Man City (H) and Nottingham Forest (A) still to play. The latter seemed like the best opportunity to pick up points. City are well and truly in a title race after their 3-0 win over Brentford this evening, which simultaneously helps Albion.
Brentford remain below Brighton, and miss the opportunity to add even more pressure to Fabian Hürzeler’s side. While games may not have totally gone in their favour in the last couple of weeks, Aston Villa’s progression to the Europa League final adds to the possibility of a Champions League spot opening up for 6th place. Ultimately, that position currently belongs to Bournemouth, but the idea of the fellow South Coast side dropping points doesn’t seem totally unreasonable.
Albion can only focus on themselves. With Leeds (A) next, before the final game against Champions League-qualified Manchester United. Both opponents could be on the beach by the time they visit pebbly Brighton.
Yankuba Minteh rounded off a rather straightforward afternoon at the Amex. Albion didn’t need to be glamorous to see a result over the line, as their Championship opponents showed exactly why they are where they are at this stage of the season. The highlight for the visitors was when they stole a match ball and kicked it amongst themselves in the away end, as opposed to any actual passages of play.
With all joking aside, Wolves did have a couple of chances, and Albion showed up their vulnerability at the back, as they have done all season.
Minteh’s and Dunk’s goals were beautifully dedicated to kit-man Buzz’s child, Alfie. He sadly underwent surgery on a tumour, which has clearly been tough on the squad. Hürzeler’s famous “togetherness” clearly dragged the Seagulls over the line this afternoon. Quite poetic!
Kaoru Mitoma’s injury could be a worrying one for Albion. The Japanese international went down with a suspected hamstring issue, and Albion fans can only hope for the best for him. Fingers crossed this doesn’t impact his World Cup hopes for the summer.
Brighton are well and truly in a European race, but only have themselves to look at. The defeat at Newcastle last week has taken any fate out of their own hands, and they must simply hope Bournemouth manage to drop points. Win every game, and keep looking forward.
