Brighton sweep past Southampton to secure top-seven finish and first-ever European football campaign
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Published 21/05/2023 at 15:50 GMT
Brighton are going to Europe after a regulation 3-1 home win over relegated Southampton secured a top-seven finish. The Seagulls flattened Saints in the first half, but the visitors came out with a point to prove and forced their way back into the match on the hour mark. Had VAR not intervened to rule out a Theo Walcott equaliser, things might have been different, but Brighton weathered the storm.
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Brighton secured a top-seven finish and European football next season with a 3-1 win over Southampton at the Amex.
Evan Ferguson got the opener when Alexis Mac Allister pounced on a loose ball and passed to Evan Ferguson who eschewed any consideration of technique and simply blasted his shot through Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Mac Allister found Ferguson in the box again shortly afterwards but a scything tackle from Brazilian defender Lyanco put an end to the chance. It also threatened to end the day for both players, but after an extended treatment break they were each able to continue.
Ferguson doubled Brighton's lead with an assured finish in the 40th minute after a brilliant interception, run, and pass from Kaoru Mitoma.
Choruses of "we're all going on a European tour" began to echo around the Amex as the Seagulls continued to dominate.
After the break, Southampton looked much improved and tried to take the game to Brighton.
Mohamed Elyounoussi gave Saints hope with a glancing header on a wickedly-curling James-Ward Prowse corner in the 58th minute.
Sixty seconds later they had another corner, and only desperate defending from Ferguson allowed the Seagulls to clear their lines.
Saints thought they had their equaliser in the 63rd minute when Theo Walcott raced in behind, badly exposing the high Brighton line. The former Arsenal winger was unhurried in front of goal, but a VAR check overruled the on-field decision and ruled out the goal for offside.
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi reacted to his side's loss of control by introducing Danny Welbeck in place of Ferguson who seemed disappointed to be withdrawn.
Pascal Gross restored Brighton's buffer with a simple near-post finish after standing up Joe Aribo in the box.
As time ticked down, Southampton threw on youngsters Kamari Doyle, Dom Ballard and the returning Tino Livramento.
The fight had gone out of the visitors and Brighton continued to pour forward in search of more goals before the full-time whistle blew.
Brighton now face champions Manchester City in midweek before taking on Aston Villa on the final day with fifth place still a possibility as it stands.
Saints, who will officially finish bottom of the league, welcome Liverpool in next weekend's finale.
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