Welbeck's winner keeps Brighton in Europe chase

Fabian Hürzeler refuses to discuss potential European qualification for this Brighton side, but the prospect is looking increasingly likely after winning three successive Premier League matches for the first time since 2023.

- Ben Bloom

In a thrillingly congested top-half scrap, Brighton are now up to eighth, just one point off a fifth place that will almost certainly provide Champions League football next season.

Befitting a contest between two sides on identical points tallies, this was an entertaining tussle. If Bournemouth edged possession and perhaps enjoyed the best of the action in the middle of the park, it was Brighton who made their chances count.

On his return from injury, Danny Welbeck proved the match-winner 15 minutes from time, restoring the hosts' advantage after a stunning Justin Kluivert strike had cancelled out João Pedro's fortunate early penalty.

That this was a battle between two European-chasing teams might have seemed unlikely in this era of limitlessly wealthy backers. But this is where these two clubs aspire to be.