It was breathtaking, it was astonishing, and it was beautiful to watch. Brighton & Hove Albion recorded a 1-0 win over Manchester United in their Premier League tie at the Amex, with Alexis MacAllister converting a stoppage-time penalty.
Both teams huffed and puffed and canceled each other out, playing end-to-end stuff, Brighton were then awarded a penalty for a Shaw handball, with Mac Allister scoring to secure all three points in the 99th minute, Brighton became the only team to beat Manchester United both at home and away in the Premier League.
United came through an FA Cup penalty shootout a few days ago, but Brighton made sure they got their revenge with a 1-0 win as they put on more legs towards their European dreams.
The result has left Man United only four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table with a game in hand, while Brighton have climbed into sixth, four points behind Liverpool with two games in hand.
Man United take a daunting trip to West Ham United, while Brighton will return to welcome relegation-threatened Everton.
European dreams continue.
Brighton had a season goal of survival and, at best, a mid-table finish, but despite issues from losing their coach and some key staff during the season, Brighton have pursued an unexpected European qualifier push, they brought in a coach who has had steady development; he has improved a lot of players and taken Brighton to the next level, making them not mistrust their former coach, Brighton have had tough matches against those in the top nine in four of their last six matches.
Would they keep their European dreams alive? This is a tough question to ask.
United disappointing against big teams away
United have taken one point in eight away games against the top nine teams, five points away against the top 12 teams out of a possible 33.
Manchester United vs the Premier League’s top 12 this seasonaway.
Man City 6-2 Man Utd
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United
Newcastle 2-0 Manchester United
Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd
Brighton 1-0 Man Utd
Tottenham 2-2 Man Utd
Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United
Brentford 4-0 Manchester United
Fulham 1-2 Man Utd
Crystal Palace 2-1 Manchester United
Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd
Erik ten Hagman has to address this issue. United can’t win the league with such poor performances; they have been lucky to be in top four contention this season, but without any improvement, next season might be a tough one for them.
Moisés Caicedo’s versatility increases his market value.
Caicedo was denied a deadline-day move to Arsenal during the winter market, but he was promised a move this summer if the offer was right, he started today’s match at right back and ended as an attacking midfielder. His ability to play multiple roles perfectly would sure increase his market value if he were to be sold.
Brighton’s impressive recruitment is the key to success.
Brighton has a system of buying young players with high resale values, while Southampton’s season didn’t go well using this method, Brighton’s has been successful, but with deals securing Pedro from Watford and almost securing Milner from Liverpool, it shows Brighton wants to go next level and bring in key performers and also experience as they aim to consolidate on their impressive season, they have identified key targets, so why not adequately replace key players that are sold or would be sold?
United needs a new striker.
When Rashford fails to deliver, United struggle, they need a new striker to relieve the burden from him and also to inject attack, United need to score more goals, and a striker should be their number one recruitment priority.
