Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League latest score, goals and updates from fixture
Follow all the reaction from The American Express Community Stadium
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma scored for a third game in succession to snatch a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Bournemouth in a Premier League south-coast derby on Saturday.
With time running out and Bournemouth seemingly coming away from the Amex Stadium with a precious point, Mitoma stole into the box and rose high while back-pedalling to head home Jeremy Sarmiento’s cross at the near post in the 87th minute.
The goal was not a trademark finish from the electric Japanese winger but it was enough to seal three points as Brighton moved back up to sixth place with 34 points while Bournemouth are 19th, a point below the safety zone.
Earlier, Brighton’s Deniz Undav had the perfect chance to open the scoring when he pounced on a poor pass from Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto but the forward had his first shot blocked and his second saved while his final attempt cannoned off the post.
Bournemouth felt hard done by when Dango Ouattara was pushed to the ground in the box by defender Pervis Estupinan, who made no attempt to play the ball, but the referee and VAR deemed it a legal challenge and no penalty was given.
Midfielder Moises Caicedo was benched after Brighton refused to budge on his request to move in the January transfer window amid interest from Arsenal, but all seemed forgiven when he came on in the second half to a warm reception from the fans.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
GOOD SAVE! Bournemouth break forward quickly again and Traore helps it onto Billing. He's a long way out when he goes for goal, but he gets a lot of power on it and Sanchez has to push it away.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
GREAT CHANCE! It's a wonderful reverse pass from Gross through to Undav, and Bournemouth don't spot his run. He fizzes a dangerous low ball across the six-yard box, but Welbeck can't make contact on the stretch.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth are dropping deeper into their own half as Brighton continue their search for an opener. Welbeck switches it out to Mitoma, who sees a shot blocked and it bobbles through to March, whose effort is deflected high over the bar.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
There's a nervy moment at the back for Brighton as Dunk knocks it back to Sanchez. Semenyo is quickly bearing down on him, but he keeps his cool and casually picks out Veltman just in time.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
SAVE! The corner is taken short by Brighton and worked out to March on the opposite flank. He clips a good cross into the middle for the unmarked Welbeck, but he thumps his header straight at Neto.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Estupinan's throughball is cut out, but Gilmour quickly wins it back before looking down the left for Mitoma. He can't find any space though and sees another cross blocked by Smith.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Instead of trying to play out from the back again, Bournemouth go for the more direct route. It's lifted over the top to Anthony, who weaves past two Brighton defenders in the box before Veltman dispossesses him with a perfectly-timed tackle.
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