Key Moments

1. 15′ – Danny Welbeck scores his 100th Premier League goal
2. 45′ – Amad Diallo equalizes for Manchester United
3. 72′ – Manchester United’s goal disallowed for offside
4. 90+5′ – João Pedro scores a dramatic late winner for Brighton

Match Overview

In a thrilling encounter at the Amex Stadium, Brighton continued their impressive run against Manchester United with a last-gasp 2-1 victory. The match showcased the tactical acumen of Brighton’s young manager Fabian Hürzeler and highlighted ongoing concerns for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side.

Brighton started the game with intensity, pressing high and dominating possession. Their efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute when former United striker Danny Welbeck netted his 100th Premier League goal, sliding the ball past André Onana from close range.

Manchester United struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but managed to equalize just before the break. Amad Diallo, given a rare start, capitalized on a deflected shot to level the score.

The second half saw an improved performance from United, who thought they had taken the lead in the 72nd minute. However, Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was disallowed due to Joshua Zirkzee being offside in the build-up.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Brighton struck in the dying moments. João Pedro rose highest to meet Tariq Lamptey’s cross, heading home in the 95th minute to send the Amex Stadium into raptures.

Tactical Analysis

Brighton’s approach under Hürzeler was a masterclass in modern football. The Seagulls employed a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation that often morphed into a 3-4-3 in possession. This flexibility allowed them to overload the midfield and create numerical advantages in key areas.

Manchester United, in contrast, seemed rigid in their 4-3-3 setup. Ten Hag’s side struggled to cope with Brighton’s pressing and found it difficult to progress the ball through the thirds. The absence of a true defensive midfielder was evident, with Casemiro often caught between defensive duties and trying to initiate attacks.

Brighton’s victory was built on their ability to exploit the half-spaces and their excellent use of width. Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra were constant threats on the flanks, stretching United’s defense and creating space for central players like Pascal Groß and João Pedro to operate.

Player Ratings and Analysis

Brighton & Hove Albion

Jason Steele (7/10): Solid performance with some crucial saves. Distributed well under pressure.

Joel Veltman (7.5/10): Excellent defensive work and provided good support in attack.

Lewis Dunk (8/10): Commanding presence at the back. Excellent in the air and with his distribution.

Jan Paul van Hecke (7.5/10): Strong defensive display, forming a solid partnership with Dunk.

Pervis Estupiñán (7/10): Energetic performance on the left flank, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Pascal Groß (8.5/10): Masterful midfield display. Controlled the tempo and created numerous chances.

Billy Gilmour (7.5/10): Tidy in possession and worked hard defensively. Growing into his role at Brighton.

Kaoru Mitoma (8/10): A constant threat on the left wing. His dribbling and crossing caused United problems all game.

João Pedro (8.5/10): Match-winner with a brilliant header. Linked play well and was a nuisance for United’s defense.

Simon Adingra (7.5/10): Lively performance on the right flank. His pace and direct running stretched United’s defense.

Danny Welbeck (8/10): Scored his 100th Premier League goal and led the line effectively. His movement created space for others.

Substitutes

Tariq Lamptey (7.5/10): Impactful substitute appearance, providing the assist for the winning goal.

Julio Enciso (7/10): Added fresh energy to Brighton’s attack in the closing stages.

James Milner (7/10): Brought experience and composure to see out the game.

Manchester United

André Onana (6.5/10): Made some good saves but could have done better for Brighton’s winner.

Diogo Dalot (6/10): Struggled to contain Mitoma and offered little going forward.

Lisandro Martínez (7/10): Solid defensively but found it difficult to play out from the back under Brighton’s press.

Harry Maguire (6.5/10): Improved from recent performances but still looked uncomfortable at times.

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10): Decent debut but caught out of position for Brighton’s late winner.

Casemiro (6.5/10): Worked hard but often overrun in midfield. Struggled to dictate play.

Kobbie Mainoo (7/10): Promising performance from the youngster. Showed good composure on the ball.

Marcus Rashford (6.5/10): Flashes of brilliance but largely ineffective. Seemed isolated for long periods.

Mason Mount (6/10): Failed to make a significant impact on the game. Still adapting to his new team.

Amad Diallo (7.5/10): United’s best player. Scored the equalizer and looked dangerous throughout.

Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): Tried to make things happen but often frustrated by Brighton’s pressing.

Substitutes

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10): Lively cameo, unlucky to have his goal disallowed.

Christian Eriksen (6.5/10): Added some creativity in midfield but couldn’t change the game’s outcome.

Joshua Zirkzee (6/10): Limited time to make an impact. Unfortunate to be offside for the disallowed goal.

FAQs

Q: What does this result mean for both teams?
A: Brighton continue their excellent start to the season, maintaining their 100% record and positioning themselves as early contenders for European qualification. For Manchester United, it’s a setback that raises questions about their ability to compete at the top level consistently.

Q: How has Fabian Hürzeler impacted Brighton?
A: Hürzeler has built on the foundations laid by previous managers, implementing an aggressive, possession-based style that maximizes Brighton’s technical players. His tactical flexibility and ability to outsmart more experienced managers have been particularly impressive.

Q: What are the main issues facing Manchester United?
A: United’s midfield balance remains a concern, with the team struggling to control games against high-pressing opponents. There are also questions about the effectiveness of their attacking play and the integration of new signings.

Q: Who were the standout performers?
A: For Brighton, Pascal Groß and João Pedro were exceptional, while Amad Diallo was Manchester United’s brightest spark.

Q: What’s next for both teams?
A: Brighton will look to maintain their momentum, while Manchester United need to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the race for Champions League qualification.

Upcoming Fixtures

Brighton & Hove Albion:

• August 31, 2024: West Ham United (A)
• September 14, 2024: Newcastle United (H)

Manchester United:

• August 31, 2024: Nottingham Forest (H)
• September 14, 2024: Arsenal (A)

This result sets the stage for an intriguing few weeks in the Premier League, with both Brighton and Manchester United facing crucial matches that could define the early stages of their respective campaigns.

Citations:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2024/aug/24/brighton-v-manchester-united-premier-league-live
[2] https://www.nairaland.com/8184745/brighton-vs-manchester-united-2/6
[3] https://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2024-2025/live-brighton-hove-albion-manchester-united_mtc1523684/live-commentary.shtml
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKymoFGcPkA
[5] https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/liveblog/2024/8/24/live-brighton-vs-manchester-united-premier-league-football
[6] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/08/24/brighton-vs-man-utd-live-score-latest-premier-league/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5ZhJ1_nv4k
[8] https://www.footboom1.com/en/football/predictions/brighton-hove-albion-manchester-united-2024-08-24