Brighton left it late but secured a 2-1 win over Fulham in a match that saw both sides battle for control. João Pedro’s 97th-minute winner broke Fulham’s resistance, ensuring the Seagulls took all three points. Despite a tight xG battle (1.5 for Brighton, 0.7 for Fulham), Brighton’s attacking persistence paid off.

A Hard-Fought Contest

Brighton were the better side overall, but Fulham put up a stubborn fight, even taking an early lead:

Raúl Jiménez struck first for Fulham in the 35th minute, converting their only shot on target. Jan Paul van Hecke equalized for Brighton just before halftime (41’) with a well-placed effort. João Pedro delivered the knockout blow deep into stoppage time (97’), sending the home crowd into celebration mode.

Fulham were efficient with their few chances, but Brighton’s relentless attacking proved decisive in the end.

Match Momentum: Brighton’s Late Push Pays Off

The momentum chart reveals a steady rise in Brighton’s attacking pressure, particularly in the second half. Fulham held their ground for long stretches but found themselves deeper and deeper as Brighton ramped up their attacks.

Pedro’s late winner was the culmination of Brighton’s dominance in possession and territory throughout the match.

Shot Analysis: Seagulls Take Flight, Fulham Efficient but Limited

Brighton’s 11 shots resulted in an xG of 1.5, showing they created the better opportunities. They put 3 on target, scoring from two of them, with João Pedro’s goal being the highest-quality chance (0.76 xG).

Fulham, on the other hand, only managed 6 shots, with just 1 on target—Jiménez’s early strike. Their xG of 0.7 reflects their struggles to consistently threaten Brighton’s goal.

Possession Tactics: Brighton’s Patient Build-Up vs. Fulham’s Direct Approach

Brighton’s pass map highlights their methodical approach, with Pervis Estupiñán and Kaoru Mitoma combining frequently on the left while João Pedro and Georginio Rutter provided movement in the final third. Their build-up play was well-structured, but they needed late-game persistence to break Fulham down.

Fulham, in contrast, relied on quick transitions and Raúl Jiménez as the focal point, supported by Emile Smith Rowe and Andreas Pereira. Their deeper defensive setup limited their ability to control possession, forcing them to absorb pressure and look for counterattacks.

Brighton’s Persistence Wins the Day

Brighton deserved the win, showing patience and persistence to eventually break down Fulham’s defense. The late João Pedro goal was a gut punch for Fulham, who had defended well for long periods.

For Brighton, this keeps them on track in the European race. For Fulham, it’s a reminder of how fine the margins can be in the Premier League.