Pascal Gross’ header from Jose Izquierdo’s cross was cleared by Marcos Rojo – but from just behind the line, with goalline technology awarding the only goal of the game.
Securing Premier League survival “means everything” to Brighton said manager Chris Hughton after the Seagulls’ 1-0 win over Manchester United ensured another season in the top flight.
“It is great for us going into the last two games knowing. We have come a long way and through some tough periods,” Hughton added.
Brighton’s first top-flight campaign since 1983 concludes with away games against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Albion – who had not won in their previous seven games – had the better chances against United and David de Gea did well to deny Glenn Murray and Izquierdo. Marcus Rashford forced a good save from Matt Ryan in the second half.
The Seagulls were looking comfortable on 4 March when they beat Arsenal 2-1 to move into the top half of the Premier League. But seven games without a win in all competitions since then had seen some doubt creep in.
However, after moving on to 40 points and into 11th place, they cannot be caught by the bottom three – prompting a party atmosphere at the final whistle – and Chris Hughton can start getting ready for the club’s second season in the top flight since 1983.
Anthony Knockaert and Izquierdo were fantastic on the two wings – likewise Gross in the centre – and caused United problems from start to finish.
Albion started brightly and Dale Stephens shot wide in the eighth minute. United keeper De Gea made two decent saves to stop Gross – and two fantastic diving saves to keep out Murray’s 25-yard shot on the bounce and Izquierdo’s rising hit.
The Seagulls fully merited their goal when Gross beat Ashley Young in the air to send Izquierdo’s cross past De Gea. The summer signing from Ingolstadt has been involved in 45% of Brighton’s Premier League goals all season – seven goals and eight assists.
Brighton did not create many chances following that goal but showed good game management to see the game out.
Albion is now eight points above the relegation zone, but because Swansea and Southampton, who have three games left, play each other on Tuesday, it is impossible for both sides to get enough points to catch Brighton.
Blunt United fail to impress
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says whether his side finishes second in the league will determine whether the FA Cup finalists have had a good season overall.
They remain five points clear of third-placed Liverpool, although Tottenham – one point further back with a game in hand – can also catch them. With Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez injured, Marcus Rashford got his chance in the center-forward position but failed to take his opportunity.
United only had one touch in the Albion area in the first half, and their first effort on target did not come until the 49th minute when Paul Pogba’s low shot was saved from 16 yards out.
They did create some chances after Gross’ goal with Rashford and substitute Jesse Lingard forcing saves from outside the box and Anthony Martial striking two efforts over the bar from 20 yards.
The Red Devils did have one final chance but Lingard shot wide under pressure from Shane Duffy. This is the first time United have ever lost away to three newly promoted clubs in a league season – they have been beaten at Huddersfield, Newcastle and now at the Amex Stadium, the 58th different ground they have visited in the Premier League.
Source: BBC News
