Report: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Leeds United

Report: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Leeds United

Whites beaten at the AMEX.

Premier League

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 (Gross 66’)

Leeds United 0


Brighton: Sanchez (GK), Webster, Dunk (C), March (Mwepu 70’), Mac Allister, Trossard (Colwill 79’), Gross, Welbeck (van Hecke 88’), Caicedo, Estupinan (Mitoma 79’), Veltman (Lamptey 70’). Subs not used: Steele (GK), Alzate, Undav, Ferguson.

Leeds: Meslier (GK), Koch, Aaronson (Gelhardt 82’), Roca (Klich 59’), Harrison (Forshaw 74’), Adams, Llorente, Rodrigo (C), James (Sinisterra 59’), Struijk, Kristensen. Subs not used: Klaesson (GK), Summerville, Hjelde, Drameh, Greenwood.


Venue: AMEX Community Stadium

Attendance: 30,953


Referee: Michael Salisbury

Booked: Webster, Mac Allister (Brighton) Struijk, Roca, Aaronson (Leeds)


Leeds United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season was ended after defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Community Stadium. Pascal Gross scored the only goal of the match, midway through the second half. 

The first 15 minutes or so on the South Coast had brought no real chances at either end. There was some early work for referee Michael Salisbury, who awarded a number of free-kicks, but nothing came of the set-play opportunities. 

Two chances did arrive though, before the 20-minute mark. Adam Webster rose highest in the box to head narrowly wide of the post from Gross’ delivery. Down the other end, Jack Harrison went on a mazy run before having a shot on goal, but his effort was blocked and cleared. 

Looking a threat for the hosts, Solly March had two efforts on goal which forced Illan Meslier into action. The winger twice struck powerfully with his left-foot, but on both occasions the Whites could count on their ‘keeper to deny him. 

In what had been an incredibly stop-start first half, Pascal Struijk, Marc Roca and Brenden Aaronson were all shown yellow cards, as the free-kicks kept coming. 

However, there were still chances, albeit none were taken. Webster again looked to hit the target but put his shot over, whilst after Dan James had been fouled just outside the box at the other end and Rodrigo’s free-kick was then deflected wide.  

That would be it for the opening 45 minutes at the AMEX Community Stadium and the teams went in level at the interval. 

HALF TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Leeds United

No changes were made on either side as Leeds United got the second half started, shooting towards the packed out - as always - away end. 

The Seagulls had the best chance of the game moments into this second period. The lively March went racing in on goal and had a clear one-on-one chance, but Meslier made himself big and produced another superb save to deny the chance.  

Jesse Marsch went to his bench as the game edged close to hour mark. Luis Sinisterra and Mateusz Klich were brought into the action, replacing James and Roca. 

Both substitutes were involved instantly and helped to create the best chance of the match for Leeds. Klich had won the ball back in the Brighton half and played Aaronson, who went on a jinking run, before finding Sinisterra at the back post. The Colombian’s effort was narrowly wide.

Another superb team move followed shortly after. Aaronson again heavily involved, along with Harrison and Sinisterra, to create a chance for Rodrigo. The Spaniard struck well but was denied by Robert Sanchez making a fine save. 

Straight down the other end and after weathering the Leeds pressure, the home side took the lead. Leandro Trossard collected the ball close to the area and played in Gross, who slotted into the bottom corner to open the scoring.  

The Whites had responded well since going behind and continued to apply pressure. Joe Gelhardt was the latest attacking option to be brought on but it was defender, Llorente who went close to equalising after flicking Adam Forshaw’s cross just wide of the post.  

Despite the best efforts of Marsch’s side who chucked everyone and everything forward in the final few minutes, the unbeaten start to the campaign had ended on the South Coast with the hosts taking the three points. 

FULL TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Leeds United

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