Premier League: Joao Pedro’s Stoppage-Time Strike Seals Brighton’s Win Over Manchester United
Last-Minute Goal Keeps Brighton at the Top of the Premier League
Brighton & Hove Albion continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday. Joao Pedro scored a dramatic last-minute winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sealing the win and marking a successful home debut for new manager Fabian Huerzeler. The result keeps Brighton firmly at the top of the league table.
The match began with Brighton striker Danny Welbeck putting his old club ahead. Kaoru Mitoma delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, allowing Welbeck to score his second goal of the season and reach a milestone of 100 career goals in club football, including six against Manchester United.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford initially thought he had equalized, but his goal was disallowed for offside. United persisted, and Amad Diallo eventually leveled the score in the second half with a deflected shot past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.
Brighton nearly regained the lead early in the second period when a James Milner shot, set up by Joao Pedro, was cleared off the line by United’s Diogo Dalot. Manchester United had their share of chances, including a controversial goal by Alejandro Garnacho in the 69th minute. The goal was ruled out by VAR due to an offside position of Joshua Zirkzee, who deflected the ball.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Brighton secured victory in the final moments. Simon Adingra’s clever chip over United’s defense set up Joao Pedro, who headed the ball into the net. The win marks back-to-back victories for Huerzeler and maintains Brighton’s unbeaten run at the top of the Premier League table after two games.