Joao Pedro’s late winner handed Brighton victory over Manchester United at the AMEX Stadium.
Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for the Seagulls before Amad Diallo’s equaliser but Pedro struck late to heap early pressure on United boss Erik ten Hag.
Hayters TV’s Dan Ludlam was in attendance for the game, here are his five talking points…
100 up for Welbeck
At 33, The Brighton forward continues to deliver on the biggest stage. He notched his 100th club career goal against the team where it all started for him as an eight-year-old.
A typically instinctive finish from inside the six-yard box gave Brighton a first-half lead and his importance to see the Seagulls remains prominent.
Fabian Hurzeler’s preferred style of play will see Welbeck presented with plenty goalscoring opportunities this season and two goals in two games is a very promising start.
Brighton just keep getting their recruitment right
Managers come and go, players move on but Brighton remain unfazed and continue to make smart decisions when it comes to recruitment.
Roberto De Zerbi’s departure left many questioning whether Brighton would finally succumb to the chop and change of modern football, but in Hurzeler they have unearthed a progressive manager who could make a similar if not bigger impact than his predecessor.
With pace on either flank and the predatory instincts of Welbeck up front, Brighton will once again be one of the teams to watch in the Premier League this season, with plenty of goals expected.
United look more solid but mistakes continue to prove costly
Erik ten Hag had little choice but to shore up his midfield but it comes at the cost of entertainment. United look a lot more structured in the centre of the pitch with Bruno Fernandes able to receive more of the ball as a result.
However, mistakes continue to make things very difficult. Harry Maguire failed to effectively kill Brighton’s momentum for the opening goal, while Welbeck was afforded the freedom of Sussex inside the six-yard box before converting.
Clear improvement but still frustration for Ten Hag, who will be fearful of another season wrecked by inconsistency.
Dynamic Amad will be a problem for defences
Arguably United’s biggest threat on counter attack. The 22-year-old winger will be given plenty of game time this season and he could have a big influence.
His lightning pace will have defenders retreating and if he can remain consistent with his decision making in the final third, the Ivorian will be a great option for ten Hag throughout the season.
New season, same Rashford?
Another disappointing afternoon for the Manchester United forward who, after a bright enough start, faded badly in the second half and was eventually withdrawn.
This feels like a critical season for Rashford given his recent form and ten Hag will continue to show faith in him.
United fans were heard calling for Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction and it was surprising that Rashford lasted longer than an hour.
FEATURED IMAGE: Glyn KIRK / AFP VIA ONE FOOTBALL
