Reaction from Brighton’s 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele said he's proud to share a pitch with veteran midfielder Pascal Gross.
The 35-year-old German delivered a sublime performance at Old Trafford as Brighton came from 2-0 to win 3-2 and advance to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Gross - who scored Albion's second goal - was the best player on the pitch and has been an inspirational figure since rejoining the club from Borussia Dortmund last January.
He now has eight goals in 18 appearances against the Red Devils.
Steele: Gross ran the game
Steele, making his first outing of the season, said: "I don't even know where to start with it. He runs the game.
"He ran the whole game and he deserved that goal as well.
“He's got a hell of a record in scoring goals here as well to be fair to him.
"It's a pleasure every time to step on the pitch with him."
United took the lead through teenage winger Shea Lacey and then made it 2-0 as Mason Mount fired home on 10 minutes.
Brighton though improved as the match progressed and goals from Charalampos Kostoulas, Gross and substitute Maxim De Cuyper sealed a comeback win.
Brighton have relentless belief
It's the first time in more than 50 years that a team has fought back from 2-0 to win at Old Trafford.
Steele added: "There is [relentless belief], and I think a couple of times we've started slow this season and come back in the games.
"We've got a great group of boys, a great group of guys.
"We stick together through thick and thin and I think that shows tonight we deserve that win."
Steele is the best No 2
Before the match, head coach Fabian Hurzeler described Jason Steele as the best No 2 in the Premier League.
He is behind Bart Verbruggen in the pecking order for the Premier League but is expected to play in the domestic cup competitions and potentially in the Uefa Conference League fixtures too.
Yes, it's always nice to get back on the pitch.
"It means so much every time I step on the pitch," Steele said.
"I think after 12 minutes of you asking what's going through my head, there's a lot of things I wouldn't want to tell you.
"But when you've got this group behind you together as well, you always know when you're in the game."
Steele is a true professional
Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea played with Steele during their time together at Sunderland. He said on ITV, “I know Steele as well.
“I'm playing with him for a short time, and he's a great kid, and the confidence he has now, you can see it.
“It's impressive. Because, obviously, when you don't play, you have to keep your sharpness for something, and the training shows you the true professional he is.”