The last international break of 2024 saw Brighton players in action across the globe. They then all rushed back to Sussex in order to be available for the Albion’s trip to Bournemouth.
To see so many thriving for their countries is a reminder of just how international Brighton as a club is these days. Julio Enciso scored a blinder of a goal for Paraguay from some 35 yards out in the dying moments of their match against Bolivia.
It brought the game to a draw, leaving Enciso jumping for joy with teammate Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United. Enciso was the one player who missed out on Bournemouth because of a late arrival back to the training ground in Lancing.
Evan Ferguson scored for Eire in their win over Finland. I had hoped he would slot one past Jordan Pickford and England at Wembley; however, that was not to be the case. The goal though will have helped his gradual regaining of confidence and momentum.
Ruairi McConville meanwhile completed a memorable 10 days or so by winning his first two caps for Northern Ireland and then being named in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time at the Vitality Stadium. Another strong, young player to watch out for.
Conditions were not easy at Bournemouth as Storm Bert began to build, meaning the game kicked off in driving rain and howling, swirling winds.
Despite the weather, the Albion faithful were in such good voice that it sounded over the BBC Radio Sussex airwaves as though Brighton were the home team playing at the Amex.
Bournemouth have recently beaten Arsenal and Manchester City, underlining that old saying that there are no easy games in the Premier League. They gave the Albion an early fright when Antoine Semenyo shot into the side netting inside the first few minutes.
Brighton though soon took the lead with a goal featuring so much finesse that it took my breath away. There are no words to describe it; it took me back to being a boy watching Brazil play.
The one-two moves and intricate passing was sensational. Georginio Rutter got a shot away saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga but parried straight into the path of Joao Pedro.
Pedro did what all good strikers should and followed up waiting for a rebound. He made no mistake, slotting the Albion into a fourth minute lead.
I loved Warren Aspinall’s comment on BBC Radio Sussex after the goal: “It was like watching the Red Arrows.” I agreed entirely. We all know how accurate they have to be every time they get in their cockpits.
The Cherries came close to equalising when an error on the left meant Evanilson could get away. Evanilson was so quick but Bart Verbruggen expertly stopped the shot and Carlos Baleba cleared the danger away.
Justin Kluivert fired just wide and Evanilson put the ball in the back of the net. It was clearly offside, confirmed after a little wait for VAR from Graham Scott at Stockley Park.
Bournemouth were playing well and Baleba was yellow carded after losing possession of the ball and bringing down Evanilson right in front of referee Stuart Attwell.
The Albion made it into half time 1-0 ahead and with the rain starting to ease. Four minutes after the interval and we were treated to another work of art as Brighton scored a magic second goal.
Pedro threaded a ball through to Kaoru Mitoma, who curled in off the far post to double the lead. The build up on the right, the run into the middle from Georginio Rutter and the pass from Pedro were all magnificent.
Still Bournemouth kept coming at the Albion. Evanlison put another chance just wide, followed by an extremely harsh 59th decision which could have turned the game.
Baleba came into contact with Milos Kerkez which Mr Attwell deemed to have been a foul by Baleba and a second yellow card. Out came the red and off went Carlos.
None of the pundits on Match of the Day thought it a foul, let alone worthy of a booking. And they were right.
The Cherries now turned up the heat further. Semenyo and Kluivert had further attempts and Verbruggen came to the rescue again, grabbing the greasy ball like it was a greasy spoon to deny Bournemouth.
Brighton fans could be heard singing “Is this a fire drill?” as Bournemouth supporters left the Vitality in their droves.
Those Cherries who stayed saw substitute David Brooks pull one back for the Cherries in the 93rd minute, after which there were still five additional minutes to play.
I instantly though of the recent Wolves game at the Amex, when Brighton lost a 2-0 lead late on. Could we hold on this time? Even over the airwaves it began to sound a little desperate.
Game management had to become the first thought of all players at this stage, especially remembering the manner in which Wolves were given their equaliser.
There was one late scare when Semenyo rocketed a volley off the Albion crossbar from a corner. That though proved to be the last kick of the game and so Brighton bagged all thee points.
The Albion ended the weekend fifth in the table, level on points with Chelsea and Arsenal. Beat Southampton on Friday night and Brighton will go second in the Premier League until at least Saturday afternoon.
As our MyAlbionTV commentator said afterwards, “This Albion team really are special.” How right he is.
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
