Man United late penalty boosts Seagulls European hopes

Late Shaw blunder for Man U allows Brighton to take sweet revenge from the spot

FA Cup woes are well and truly in the past as Brighton really look like a force to be reckoned with,  Ezzie Brass reports

VAR dramatically had its say in the final stages of a thrilling encounter, as Brighton scored their latest ever goal in Premier League history. The win is decisive in the context of the season as a whole, it puts them in good stead to finish in the European places, leapfrogging Spurs and hunting down Liverpool, over whom they still have two games in hand. It felt like a fitting ending not only bearing in mind the recent result, but also reminiscent of Man Utd’s late penalty winner over Brighton back in 2021 deep into added time, which was perfectly avenged in similar fashion.

Having fallen just short of victory over the red devils two weeks prior to tonight, this victory felt all the more satisfying, De Zerbi having the last laugh over Ten Hag and his squad, but also an emphatic assertion of just how far the club have come in their recent history. The initiative and character to take the game to the away side throughout the whole 90 minutes was extremely admirable, De Zerbi promoting flowing football out the back from the get-go, even when it seemed risky to do so.

Both sides intent to attack made for an excellent matchup, with both poised to bag a winner but neither it seemed with enough ruthlessness to do so. Antony had the first notable chance of the game, which he squandered, and Mitoma at the other end a couple of minutes later. Having snatched it off of Wan-Bizsaka, he couldn’t quite take it in his stride which allowed De Gea to make the block. The first half was fairly even, with Steele and De Gea respectively on good form to thwart any proper opportunities.

Through the second half, the Seagulls grew into the game, making it clear that they weren’t going to settle for the draw. It looked to be a narrative unfolding largely similarly to two weeks before, with Mitoma largely prevalent in proceedings but unable to guide the ball goal bound after promising build up. It looked as though once again it wouldn’t be his night, as United seemed to grow into the game after weathering the Albion storm.

The contest become increasingly heated, with Antony’s reckless challenge on Macallister sending fans into uproar. Shortly after, Enciso’s drive drifted wide of De Gea’s far post, followed by March’s swivelling effort, this time met aptly by the Spaniard.

With Albion piling on the pressure, they maintained a measured approach in their endeavour to find the winner. After Solly March had overrun possession, the chance was fortunately presented to the home side, with Macallister’s zipping effort forcing a smart stop from De Gea.

With a flurry of chances at the end, it looked as though the game would end with 2 points lost by Brighton. When Macalister’s cross was fizzed across the face of goal, tantalisingly close to getting a touch on the end, it really did look like time was up. However the chance for a reprieve was offered when VAR interfered with play, gifting the hosts a spot kick in the dying seconds.

The final kick off the game, with De Zerbi unable to watch, was dispatched with no less quality than composure, as Macallister arrowed it into the top left, sending Amex into delirium. It couldn’t have been a better finale to the impressive performance put on show. Not always straightforward on the night, but in the end the better team got their just rewards.