Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Brighton secured European football for the first time and all but ensured it will be in the Europa League after Evan Ferguson’s brace helped them to a 3-1 home victory over relegated Southampton.
The 18-year-old inked his name in Albion’s history books with a brace before the break to edge his side towards their first continental berth.
Mohamed Elyounoussi made things interesting when he headed home to narrow the deficit in the second half, which also saw VAR chalk off a potential Saints equaliser before Pascal Gross put the game away.
Sixth-placed Brighton, who have a game in hand, could still finish level on points with Aston Villa below them, but their final-day opponents would have to overcome a near-impossible goal difference to finish above the Seagulls and clinch the Europa League spot.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Buonanotte drifts inside from the right and slams the ball into Levia. The Belgian's left winded and needs treatment.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Mac Allister gets bundled over outside the box. From the free-kick, Estupinan picks out Colwill at the far post, who fouls Aribo in his eagerness to attack the ball.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
We're back underway for the second half. Brighton will want to resume where they left off.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Substitution Julio César Enciso Espínola Facundo Valentín Buonanotte
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Southampton have failed to score a first-half goal in 26 of their 37 Premier League games this season. That's more than any other side in the division. It's easy to see why they're going down. In contrast, Brighton have been effervescent. They wouldn't look out of place in Europe next season at all.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
This is looking like a routine win so far for Brighton. The Seagulls have been in control of this game and deserve their convincing lead, with both their goals scored by their young Irishman Ferguson. Southampton are playing like the team they are: a relegated one with nothing to play for.
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