Brighton and Hove Albion produced a professional and clinical away performance to beat relegation-destined Burnley 2–0, with two goals from an unlikely source in Mats Wieffer.
In-form Brighton – who now have five wins from six league games – started brightly at Turf Moor and created the first big chance inside five minutes.
Yankuba Minteh delivered a superb cross into the box, finding Danny Welbeck, but the striker couldn’t generate a clean connection and the opportunity went begging.
Burnley briefly thought they had taken the lead when Jaidon Anthony finished from close range, but the celebrations were cut short as the assistant’s flag confirmed an offside position, with VAR upholding the decision.
Brighton and Hove Albion produced a professional and clinical away performance to beat relegation-destined Burnley 2–0, with two goals from an unlikely source in Mats Wieffer. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)placeholder image
Brighton and Hove Albion produced a professional and clinical away performance to beat relegation-destined Burnley 2–0, with two goals from an unlikely source in Mats Wieffer. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
At the other end, Brighton began to assert control.
Minteh remained the visitors’ most dangerous outlet, repeatedly delivering threatening balls across the Burnley penalty area. One particularly dangerous cross begged for a finish at the back post but went untouched.
Burnley had moments of pressure, including an audacious effort from Anthony and a spell where Brighton’s defensive structure was tested, but they struggled to create sustained clear chances.
Brighton eventually broke the deadlock when Minteh combined with Pascal Gross, who teed up Wieffer to finish neatly into the corner. The goal gave Brighton a deserved lead and further frustration for the home crowd – who loudly booed Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez for what they perceived as gamesmanship in the first-half.
Burnley began the second half with greater intensity. Marcus Edwards forced Bart Verbruggen into action early on, with the Brighton goalkeeper pushing a dangerous cross over the bar. Verbruggen was called into action again soon after, producing a strong reaction save with his foot to deny Zian Flemming from a corner.
Burnley’s attacking midfielders found more space at times but their final decision-making let them down.
Brighton continued to threaten in transition and Hinshelwood came close to a memorable 21st birthday goal, curling a shot toward the corner only to be denied by a smart save from Martin Dubravka.
Burnley continued to push but were repeatedly frustrated by Brighton’s defensive organisation and Verbruggen’s shot-stopping.
Just as Burnley continued to desperately push for an equaliser, Brighton struck again late on. Wieffer capped off a standout individual performance with a second goal right on the 90-minute mark, finishing with composure to secure a 2–0 victory.
Here are our Albion player ratings:
Bart Verbruggen – 8: Picked the ball out of his net when Antony fired in but the Burnley man was offside. The Dutch keeper was kept busy in the second half and made a couple of smart saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Ferdi Kadioglu – 7: Steady, low-profile performance – doing his job without being directly involved in decisive moments. Put in some dangerous crosses.
Jan Paul van Hecke – 8: Solid as ever. He’s a really commanding presence at the back. Often showed impressive defensive awareness to clear dangerous balls.
Olivier Boscagli – 8: Came in for the suspended Dunk and did really well. Often tried to bring the ball out and start attacks.
Mats Wieffer – 9: You would have got great odds on the right-back to score a brace! The Duthcman took his goals really well. You would be forgiven for thinking he was a striker! Solid defensive performance too.
Jack Hinshelwood – 7: Booed on 21st birthday – not very nice of Burnley fans! He went down holding his head and the referee had to stop play which angered the hosts, who were on the attack. The Academy graduate nearly marked his big day with a goal, forcing Dubravka into a smart stop.
Yasin Ayari – 7: First start since January after a shoulder injury – replacing the injured James Milner.
Pascal Gross – 8: Provided the assist for the goal for the opener with a lovely cross. We’ve seen that plenty of times before! He linked up play really well.
Diego Gomez – 7: Won a free kick and Esteve was booked but accused of gamesmanship. Wasted a good second-half chance but he was very lively.
Yankuba Minteh – 7: The winger is in great form and this was another good performance. Caused plenty of problems with his place and looks full of confidence. Could and probably should have put Albion into an earlier lead. Welbeck will also have expected himself to do better from Minteh’s cross early on.
Danny Welbeck – 7: Mistimed his shot after five minutes, when found in front of goal. Got himself into good positions but couldn’t quite extend his exceptional goal-scoring record. Showed his confidence, when trying a few step-overs but was tackled on the edge of the box.
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