Mason Holgate’s early red card proved costly as Brighton & Hove Albion thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 in their Sunday afternoon Premier League clash at Bramall Lane, where Simon Adingra scored a brace. Here are Last Word on Football’s key takeaways from the Seagulls’ first victory over the Blades in the Premier League.
Key Takeaways From Brighton’s 5-0 Win Over Sheffield United
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Red Card Spoiled The Contest
Everton loanee Mason Holgate was sent off after he committed an awful challenge on Kaoru Mitoma in the 13th minute, and this proved to be pivotal.
Brighton opened the scoring just seven minutes later as Pascal Groß’s corner was met by Lewis Dunk, who nodded the ball back across goal for Facundo Buonanotte to poke home.
The afternoon was looking ominous as the Seagulls doubled their lead in the space of five minutes when Danny Welbeck was the first to react and finish after Mitoma’s close-range effort was saved by Wes Foderingham.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men failed to capitalise further on their 78% possession in the opening period, but the contest felt all but over as the first half drew to a close.
The Influence of Simon Adingra & Kaoru Mitouma
Adingra returned to the starting eleven on the right-hand side for the south-coast side after his victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Ivory Coast.
With Mitoma returning from international duty last weekend, the two wingers proved their value to De Zerbi’s side, particularly in the second half.
Mitoma was electric in one-on-one situations throughout the match, with his early ball into the box turned into his own net by Jack Robinson midway through the second period to make it 3-0.
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Adingra, who picked up Young Player of the Tournament while on international duty, added a fourth as he met Groß’s cross with a superb sweeping volley.
The Seagulls put five past Sheffield United in the FA Cup three weeks ago and matched this again today as Adingra’s deflected effort looped over Foderingham and sealed a five-star display in the closing stages.
This was the second successive home game Chris Wilder’s side conceded five goals after a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa last time out at Brammall Lane.
Brighton’s Fluidity and Versatility Impressed With Simon Adingra Shining
Brighton’s only win in their last five league games before today came in a 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace, where De Zerbi switched to a back three.
After reverting to a back four in a defeat at Spurs, the Italian manager looked to be deploying a back three once again on Sunday.
This change in formation appeared to pay off with another resounding victory – but the fluidity of the players within the system was crucial to the result and performance.
Adingra started as a right-wingback with Tariq Lamptey on the opposite side – but the shape often shifted to a back four out of possession, allowing Adingra to keep his advanced position.
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Groß started in central midfield but drifted to the right throughout the game, even occupying a right-back role at times, allowing him to expose the Blades with his exceptional delivery.
The German’s crossing ability played a part in the opening two goals, and his cross to Adingra to make it 4-0 saw him register his ninth league assist of the season.
Where This Result Leaves The Seagulls
The red card meant Brighton were not tested, but they will gain confidence from their first win in seven Premier League away games in a run going back to the end of November.
The result sees the Seagulls soar to seventh in the table after West Ham and Newcastle dropped points on Saturday.
De Zerbi will look to build on this result as his side host Everton at the Amex Stadium next weekend.
