Bert Verbruggen was Brighton’s hero and Igor Thiago’s penalty save in stoppage time gave the Seagulls a 2-1 win over Brentford, lifting them up to fifth in the Premier League table.
The afternoon match started with a penalty for Thiago and ended with a penalty for Thiago. The Brentford striker gave the Bees the lead with a penalty in the first half and it was his ninth goal of the season, continuing a run of seven goals in seven games.
His flick for Dango Ouattara in the build-up was even better as the Brentford winger was brought down by Carlos Baleva and was sent off at half-time for another lackluster display from the midfielder.
Brighton improved after the break and although Danny Welbeck missed a great chance to equalize with a shot from 10 yards out, they eventually equalized with 20 minutes remaining.
The striker, who will turn 35 on Wednesday, converted a superb cross from the right flank from Yankuba Minte. His name was optioned by manager Thomas Tuchel during the international break, increasing his chances of being called up to the England squad.
Danny Welbeck scores his seventh Premier League goal of the season
Brighton then completed the comeback with six minutes remaining when substitute Jack Hinshelwood, who had missed the last nine games with a ligament injury, headed home from the edge of the box after seeing an electric Minte run and having his shot blocked.
More drama would ensue when Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot as Kevin Shade went down following a challenge from Maxim de Kuiper from a Kean Lewis-Potter cross.
But Verbruggen left Amex confused with speculation in the right direction, while Brighton were furious at the decision. It was a dramatic 50th match against Brighton for coach Fabian Hürzeler, who watched from the stands due to the touchline being banned.
See in photos: Verbruggen’s dramatic moments!
Thiago took the spot-kick in stoppage time…
Verbruggen acted correctly and guessed correctly.
When Thiago felt the full power of the moment, Verbrüggen was blessed…
Brighton players surround the goalkeeper
Andrews not happy with how long Thiago’s second penalty took
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews told Sky Sports:
“It becomes even more difficult when he takes forever to take a penalty.The goalkeeper does what he has to do and tries to delay it.
“Because of the VAR checks, it’s a completely different dynamic for the penalty takers and it’s a different mental challenge for them. Plus he’s already been penalized, so that’s a new challenge for him. But Thiago has been invaluable to us this season.”
“The way things are now with VAR checks, it takes as long as it does now. Goalkeepers get yellow cards if they do what they’re supposed to do. It’s difficult to control that.”
Half-time team talk turned things around for Brighton
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Danny Welbeck reveals his strong words at half-time that helped Brighton come back 2-1 against Brentford, talks about his goalscoring form and whether he has ambitions to represent England at next year’s World Cup.
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck told Sky Sports:
“It’s emotional. After the first half, everyone was really disappointed and frustrated with our performance.
“We had some strong words for each other at half-time and we all rallied together for an unbelievable turnaround in the second half and the performances continued day and night between the first and second halves.
“All these answers will have to be said out loud! There are things that we hide in the dressing room. As a team, as a group, we have to demand of each other. That is what is happening in the dressing room.”
“The quality of the ball, the passing of the ball, the simple things, doing the basics right in the second half, fighting in duels and second balls and winning. We knew who we were against today. We prepared well, but we didn’t perform well in the first half. We knew we had to make a difference in the second half, and that’s what we did.”
Verbruggen: It’s a joint effort of the goalkeepers!
Brighton goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen:
“I think it’s time to save one!
“We’re working with the other goalkeepers and the goalkeeping coach to come up with a plan for penalties. Unfortunately, it didn’t work the first time, but it worked the second time.
“Then we celebrated with Jason Steele and the other goalkeepers. It’s a collective effort as a group to keep a clean sheet and do your best. We plan together and it’s a real honor to work with the players and the other goalkeeper coaches.”
“I’m really happy with the win. This scenario is one of the best scenarios for a goalkeeper. I’m really happy to be able to help the team. I really credit the players for turning things around. The reaction to turn things around, we need to do it for 90 minutes.”
