Brighton secures European football for the first time with victory over Southampton

Brighton Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi and his staff applaud the fans on there end of season | Photo Credit: Imago [Colorsport / Shaun Boggust]

FOOTBALL Brighton secures European football for the first time with victory over Southampton

Shafic Kiyaga 18:24 - 21.05.2023

They taunted the visiting Southampton fans, contrasting the fate of the two clubs next season - Brighton in Europe and Southampton in the Championship.

Brighton celebrated a historic moment as they secured European football for the first time in their history with a convincing 3-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League.

The atmosphere at the Amex Stadium was electric as Brighton fans rejoiced in the knowledge that their team had secured European qualification.

They taunted the visiting Southampton fans, contrasting the fate of the two clubs next season - Brighton in Europe and Southampton in the Championship.

On the pitch, Brighton showcased their dominance early on, with Kaoru Mitoma missing a golden opportunity to put his side ahead.

McCarthy's loose pass almost gifted Brighton a second goal, but the effort from the Japanese forward struck the post.

The match saw 18-year-old Evan Ferguson shine, scoring two crucial goals in the first half to put Brighton in control.

The breakthrough came when Ferguson unleashed a powerful low shot past Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, giving the Seagulls a well-deserved lead.

He then showcased his composure and finishing ability with a first-time strike from inside the area, doubling Brighton's advantage.

Southampton briefly ignited hope of a comeback with Mohamed Elyounoussi's glancing header, but Pascal Gross sealed the victory for the hosts with a fierce strike, making it 3-1.

The win solidified Brighton's hold on sixth place in the Premier League table and virtually guarantees them a spot in next season's Europa League due to their superior goal difference over seventh-placed Aston Villa.

While a single point from their remaining two matches would confirm a sixth-placed finish, their victory over Southampton secures at least a spot in the Europa Conference League.

For Southampton, who had already been relegated following their defeat to Fulham, their top-flight campaign will conclude with a final match against Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium.

Finally, Ferguson broke the deadlock after receiving a well-timed pass from Alexis Mac Allister. He displayed composure and precision as he found the net, slipping the ball through the legs of Lyanco and beyond the reach of McCarthy.

Brighton fans joyfully celebrated the final whistle, chanting "We're all going on a European tour." This remarkable achievement marks a new era for Brighton, as they eagerly anticipate their first-ever European campaign in the upcoming season.