Brighton find clinical touch at last to earn precious win at Southampton

Southampton 1-2 Brighton: Dunk and Trossard score either side of Adams’ equaliser to life Brighton up to 16th

Andy Sims
Sunday 14 March 2021 10:09 EDT
Comments
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leandro Trossard settled the south-coast showdown by firing Brighton to a crucial 2-1 win at Southampton.

The Seagulls were looking over their shoulders after three straight defeats and no wins in five meant they kicked off level on points with resurgent Fulham in 18th.

But victory at St Mary’s, their fifth away from home this season, gives Graham Potter’s side some breathing space at the bottom and, notably, saw them climb above Newcastle.

Lewis Dunk headed them ahead and, although Che Adams equalised for Saints with his third goal in three matches, Trossard conjured up a classy second-half winner.

Adams could have put the hosts ahead with barely a minute on the clock but he was unable to get any power on his header from Ryan Bertrand’s cross.

READ MORE:

The former Birmingham striker then linked well with Kyle Walker-Peters and squared the ball to Stuart Armstrong, who shot straight at Robert Sanchez from 15 yards.

Fraser Forster, preferred to Alex McCarthy in Southampton’s goal, made a fine save to palm a fierce Neal Maupay drive over the crossbar.

But the Scottish keeper was beaten from the resulting corner by centre-half Dunk’s towering header.

However, Saints pulled themselves level when Dunk could only help Bertrand’s header into the path of Adams, who was lurking alone at the far post to volley home.

Brighton should have taken the lead again before half-time when Dan Burn played Pascal Gross through on goal.

But as has so often been the way this season for the Seagulls, the German midfielder could not convert the chance, shooting too close to Forster who was able to deflect the ball wide.

This time it was not so costly, however, as Brighton managed to register a second goal in a Premier League match for the first time since the turn of the year with Trossard’s stylish 56th-minute strike.

Leandro Trossard scores for Brighton
Leandro Trossard scores for Brighton (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Saints midfielder Adam Lallana picked out Danny Welbeck, who pinged a first-time lay-off straight into the path of Trossard.

The Belgium winger barely had to break stride as he scythed through the Southampton backline and crashed his shot past Forster.

Southampton tried to hit back again and Seagulls keeper Sanchez saved with his legs from Adams before James Ward-Prowse’s shot was charged down

But it is now 10 defeats from their last 12 matches for Southampton, who could really do with finding a win from somewhere just to ease any fears of being dragged into trouble themselves.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in