Brighton has done it again or better said, Kirou Mitoma has done it again. The Japanese star fired up the Amex Stadium after a late winner when it all seemed to settle as an all-square game. Pervis Estupiñan and Mitoma have once again shown the special connection they are creating.

As a result of this game, Bournemouth is still incapable of getting out of the relegation zone as they see their direct rivals win games. Whereas, Brighton sits in 6th place, in a Europa League position, and is in brilliant form that will help them face February.

The man is on fire. The winger is right now in his prime and proves it week in, week out. Last game, a last-minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup; today, a goal in the 87th minute to put his team in the lead and bring back to Brighton three important points.

He showed remarkable individual plays throughout the game, including one in the first half where he left the fans spellbound after dropping his opponents to his knees. Additionally, Mitoma throughout the game showed to be a creative player, versatile and electric. His feet today were incredibly fast and once again helped his team to grab another three points. 

  • Lost sense of direction

Another loss for the Cherries who are now six games winless in the Premier League, and have a single win in 12 games. In the current situation, a draw would have been a great result, putting them level with Leeds, West Ham and Everton. However, they find themselves in a bottomless pit.

Bournemouth vs Brighton. | Photo: @AFCBournemouth
Bournemouth vs Brighton. | Photo: @AFCBournemouth

The away record is only getting worse, having won only one game and having conceded 32 in only 11 games, an average of almost three goals per game conceded.

Consistency is the ideal word for Brighton in this current season and statistics do not lie. They have taken their most points (34) at this stage in the Premier League and are in the right direction to surpassing their record in a whole season.

The Seagulls get better as the weeks go past. They have proven it this year in comparison to last year where many games would go the other way around, having the opposition score in the last minutes of the game or just stay in a draw. However, this season something has changed in the player's mentality. It could be thanks to Graham Potter and then Roberto De Zerbi following it.

2023 has been a great start to the year. It is clear the players are De Zerbi´s soldiers and will believe in his style. Six games so far in all competitions, coming out victorious in five of them and on only one occasion did they draw.

An outstanding fact as no losses have been recorded yet and considering they have played Liverpool twice. Most importantly, two clean sheets so far to prove that not only do they play good football but can also defend when needed.

  • Not a good look towards the future

There are still games to be played, 17 to be precise. Nevertheless, Bournemouth has a tough month ahead. During the month of February, they will have to play against Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), Manchester City (H) and the during the start of March, Arsenal (A) and Liverpool (H).

  • What's next?

Whilst Bournemouth are deepening their pain, Gary O´Neil will face Newcastle. Equally, Brighton will be facing rivals Crystal Palace.

VAVEL Logo
About the author