Joao Pedro Stars as Brighton Beat Bournemouth 2-1

Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma powered Brighton to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth as the Seagulls continued their best-ever start to a top-flight season. Pedro opened the scoring in the fourth minute, tapping in after Kepa Arrizabalaga parried Georginio Rutter’s effort. Mitoma doubled Brighton’s lead early in the second half, finishing precisely into the bottom corner after Pedro set him up.

Brighton played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Carlos Baleba received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Milos Kerkez. Bournemouth responded late as substitute David Brooks scored in injury time. Despite a nervy finish with Antoine Semenyo hitting the crossbar with the final kick, Brighton defended resolutely to claim the win.

The result lifts Brighton to fifth in the Premier League, tied on points with Chelsea and Arsenal. Bournemouth drop to 13th after back-to-back defeats including a 3-2 loss to Brentford prior to the international break. Joao Pedro played a starring role in Brighton’s victory. He not only scored the opener but also delivered a brilliant assist for Mitoma’s goal.

This performance continues his excellent form since returning from an ankle injury during which he also scored against Manchester City in their previous match. Bournemouth created several chances but lacked composure in front of goal. Evanilson and Semenyo missed key opportunities while VAR overturned Evanilson’s first-half equalizer by ruling him offside.

Despite playing with an extra man for the final third of the game, the Cherries only directed five of their 19 attempts on target as Brighton’s defense held firm. Brighton’s resilience under pressure proved decisive while Bournemouth’s inefficiency in attack cost them a valuable opportunity.