Bart Verbruggen’s stoppage-time penalty save from Igor Thiago ensured Brighton and Hove Albion completed a stirring 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford on a wet night at the Amex Stadium, a result that lifted Fabian Hürzeler’s side up to fifth in the Premier League. For long stretches, it looked as though Thiago’s first-half spot-kick would condemn Brighton to defeat in the German’s 50th Premier League game in charge, but late goals from Danny Welbeck and substitute Jack Hinshelwood turned the scoreline on its head before Verbruggen’s intervention settled a breathless finish.
Brentford, who have now suffered five defeats in six away league games and remain without a Premier League win at Brighton, fought hard and at one stage appeared well worth all three points. Yet once Brighton finally broke through a disciplined Bees’ defence, the contest swung decisively. Welbeck’s 71st-minute equaliser and Hinshelwood’s 84th-minute strike completed a third successive home league comeback for the Seagulls, only for Thiago to be denied from 12 yards in the fourth minute of stoppage time as Verbruggen read his casual run-up and sparked wild celebrations.
Thiago punishes Baleba as the Bees strike first against the run of play
Brentford were the first to threaten in the opening exchanges, forcing a couple of set-pieces that Brighton’s defence handled without alarm, but it was the hosts who fashioned the first clear chance after eight minutes. Yankuba Minteh spun away from Kristoffer Ajer on the right and cut the ball back to Mats Wieffer, only for the midfielder to shoot straight at Caoimhín Kelleher. It set the tone for a first half in which Brighton enjoyed territory and moments of promise but too often fell short with their final ball, encapsulated when Yasin Ayari swung wildly at a flick and ended up on the turf after an air-kick that drew laughter from the away end.