A L B I O N R E P O R T - 30
( featuring the Arsenal (5/5) and Manchester City games (12/5) games
5 MAY 2019 - ARSENAL 1 ( Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 1 - 9 minutes,
penalty ) BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Glenn Murray 1 - 61 minutes,
penalty ) - PREMIER LEAGUE - at the EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON N5.
Having secured Premier League survival the previous weekend, the Seagulls headed to
North London to meet fifth-placed Arsenal in a Premier League game at the Emirates
Stadium, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Albion Manager Chris Hughton made three changes to his starting line-up from the game
at home to Newcastle United (1-1) on the 27 April 2019, with Yves Bissouma, Alireza
Jahanbakhsh and Solly March coming in for Beram Kayal, Jose Izquierdo and Florin
Andone.
Last time out Arsenal had beaten Valencia CF 3-1 on the 2 May 2019 in the UEFA Europa
League Semi-Final First Leg at the Emirates Stadium and for this game Head Coach Unai
Emery made five changes to his starting line-up from the Valencia game, with Bernd Leno,
Stephan Lichtsteiner, Nacho Monreal, Lucas Torreira and Henrikh Mkhitaryan replacing
Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Sead Kolasinac, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Matteo
Guendouzi.
In the reverse fixture at the Amex earlier this season on the 26 December 2018, the teams
drew 1-1 with Jurgen Locadia scoring for the Seagulls on 35 minutes after Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang had opened the scoring for the Gunners on 7 minutes. Last season Arsenal
defeated the Albion 2-0 at the Emirates on the 1 October 2017, with their goals coming
from Nacho Monreal (16 mins) and Alex Iwobi (56 mins) but the Seagulls exacted revenge
on the 4 March 2018 at the Amex with a fine 2-1 win over the Arsenal with their goals
coming from Lewis Dunk (7 mins) and Glenn Murray (26 mins) and Aubameyang (43 mins)
netting a consolation in reply.
Looking for a win to help secure a top four finish it was the Arsenal who made the early
running. After Henrikh Mkhitaryan's shot had struck a post early on, the Gunner's took the
lead on 9 minutes when Referee Anthony Taylor penalised Alireza Jahanbakhsh for
bringing down Nacho Monreal in the box and up-stepped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
to convert the penalty for his 20th Premier League goal of the season. 0-1. The Albion
had a claim for a penalty rejected by Referee Taylor when a Pascal Gross free-kick
appeared to hit Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos on the arm as he jumped
in the defensive wall. Glenn Murray then saw his header from a Solly March cross easily
gathered by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Prior to the break a spell of Arsenal
pressure saw Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan make fine saves from Shkodran Mustafi's
header, Aubameyang's shot from a Mesut Ozil cross and from Mkhitaryan's dipping shot
from distance. Half-time 0-1.
First action of the second-half saw Arsenal keeper Leno make a smart save to keep out
a low shot from March. The Seagulls deservedly equalised just past the hour when
Mkhitaryan's wayward pass fell to March who made a lung-bursting sixty-yard run to the
Arsenal penalty area where Granit Xhaka fouled the winger who lost his footing and
Referee Taylor pointed to the spot. Murray calmly slotted the penalty kick past Leno for
his 12th Premier League goal of the season. 1-1. Thereafter the game became
stretched as both teams went for a winner with both Bernardo and Yves Bissouma
firing shots wide and then keeper Leno made a brilliant save to keep out a diving header
from March. At the other end Aubameyang missed a gilt-edged chance to notch a winner
for his team instead slicing his shot wide of the target. In the end it was honours even.
After the final whistle Arsenal bade farewell to goalkeeper Petr Cech (retiring), Aaron
Ramsey (off to Juventus in Italy) and Danny Welbeck (released). Final-score 1-1.
The Albion had 11 attempts at goal, with 5 on target and won 3 corners, free-kicks
conceded - 14. The Arsenal had 20 attempts at goal, with 8 on target and won 16
corners, free-kicks conceded - 9.
VERDICT - A fine performance by the Seagulls and a first point gained in twelve
visits to a top-six Premier League club. Outstanding performances came from keeper
Mathew Ryan, his back four of Captain Bruno Saltor, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk and
Bernardo and winger Solly March. A more than well-deserved point gained at the
Emirates Stadium.
Albion line-up (4-1-4-1):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt), Shane Duffy, Lewis
Dunk, Bernardo; Dale Stephens; Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Anthony Knockaert 46),
Pascal Gross (Beram Kayal 90), Yves Bissouma, Solly March; Glenn Murray
(Florin Andone 77). Subs not used: David Button (G/K), Dan Burn, Gaetan Bong,
Jurgen Locadia.
Arsenal line-up (4-3-1-2):- Bernd Leno; Stephan Lichtsteiner (Sead Kolasinac 76),
Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Nacho Monreal; Henrikh Mkhitaryan
(Matteo Guendouzi 76), Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka (Alex Iwobi 76); Mesut Ozil
(Capt); Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Subs not used: Petr
Cech (G/K), Laurent Koscielny, Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester). Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick
& Adam Nunn. Fourth Official: Graham Scott.
Yellow Cards: Albion: 2 - Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross. Arsenal: 4 - Sokratis
Papastathopoulos, Granit Xhaka, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Matteo Guendouzi.
Possession: Albion - 30%. Arsenal - 70%.
Attendance: 59965 (including 2971 Albion fans).
12 MAY 2019 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Glenn Murray 1 -
27 minutes ) MANCHESTER CITY 4 ( Sergio Aguero 1 - 28
minutes, Aymeric Laporte 1 - 38 minutes, Riyad Mahrez 1 - 63
minutes, Ilkay Gundogan 1 - 72 minutes ) - PREMIER LEAGUE -
at the AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER.
For their final Premier League game of the season the Albion faced Champions-
elect Manchester City at the Amex, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Prior to kick-off, last season's Champions City were top of the table with 95
points from 37 games. Liverpool, who were in second place with 94 points from
37 games faced Wolves at Anfield and City needed to match the Reds result in
order to retain the league title.
Following their creditable 1-1 draw at Arsenal on the 5 May 2019 Chris Hughton
the Albion Manager made two changes to his starting line-up from the Arsenal
game, with Beram Kayal and Anthony Knockaert replacing the injured Dale
Stephens (ankle) and Solly March (calf).
In their previous fixture title-chasing City had eased past Leicester City (1-0)
on the 6 May 2019 by courtesy of a superb long-range stunner from Captain
Vincent Kompany. For this game Manager Pep Guardiola made one change
to his starting line-up from the Leicester game, with Riyad Mahrez replacing
Phil Foden.
In the corresponding fixture at the Amex last season on the 12 August 2017
City beat the Albion 2-0, with the goals coming from Sergio Aguero (70 mins)
and a Lewis Dunk own goal (75 mins) The teams had previously met twice this season, in the
league at the Etihad on the 29 September 2018 when City won 2-0 with goals
from Raheem Sterling (29 mins) and Sergio Aguero (65 mins) and at Wembley
on the 6 April 2019 in a FA Cup Semi-Final when City scraped a 1-0 win,
thanks to a Gabriel Jesus header (4 mins).
On a bright sunny afternoon there was a cagey start by both teams but on 27
minutes the Seagulls took a surprise lead when Pascal Gross's inswinging
corner was headed home at the near post by Glenn Murray, who had eluded
his markers. It was Murray's 13th Premier League goal of the season and
you could hear the cheers in Liverpool. 1-0. Albion's lead lasted precisely
83 seconds as a smart move involving Aymeric Laporte and David Silva
ended with ace marksman Sergio Aguero who slipped the ball through Albion
keeper Mathew Ryan's legs and into the net. 1-1. The visitors took the lead
on 38 minutes when a corner taken by Riyad Mahrez was headed home
unchallenged by the unmarked Laporte - groans in Liverpool. 1-2. The
Seagulls had battled well against the Champions-elect first-half. Half-time 1-2.
Second-half saw the City clinch the points and title for the second season
running on 63 minutes when Silva fed Mahrez centrally and the winger left
Lewis Dunk on his backside before launching a right-foot drive into the top
corner of Ryan's net. 1-3. City's fourth came on 72 minutes when Ilkay
Gundogan sent a superb free-kick over Albion's defensive wall and into the
top corner. Game definitely over. 1-4. Albion's Captain Bruno Saltor, on his
retirement, left the field of play on 84 minutes to a standing ovation from both
Albion and City fans, plus handshakes and hugs all round. On 86 minutes
City Captain Vincent Kompany, on his retirement left the field to a standing
ovation from fans of both sides. The Albion did a lap of appreciation to their
fans after the final whistle and thereafter City were presented with the Premier
League trophy for the second year running. Final-score 1-4.
The Albion had 6 attempts at goal, with 2 on target and won 2 corners, free-
kicks conceded - 12. City had 20 attempts at goal, with 9 on target and won
6 corners, free-kicks conceded - 9.
VERDICT - Class prevailed in the end and City's win enabled them to pick
up the Premier League title for the second season running. The final league
table showed City top with 98 points, Liverpool second with 97 points and the
Albion in 17th spot with 36 points - 2 points above the relegation zone.
Albion line-up (4-3-3):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt) (Martin Montoya 84),
Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Bernardo; Pascal Gross, Beram Kayal, Yves
Bissouma; Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray (Florin Andone 67), Alireza
Jahanbakhsh (Jurgen Locadia 67). Subs not used: David Button (G/K), Dan
Burn, Gaetan Bong, Jayson Molumby.
Manchester City line-up (4-1-4-1):- Ederson; Kyle Walker (Danilo 88), Vincent
Kompany (Capt) (Nicolas Otamendi 86), Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko;
Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, David Silva (Kevin De Bruyne 78),
Riyad Mahrez; Sergio Aguero. Subs not used: Arijanet Muric (G/K), John Stones,
Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane.
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland). Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt &
Simon Bennett. Fourth Official: Paul Tierney.
Possession: Albion - 24%. Manchester City - 76%.
Match Sponsors (American Express) Albion Man of the Match: Bruno Saltor.
Attendance: 30662.
ALBION NEWS:
13 MAY 2019 - It was reported that the Albion had sacked Manager
Chris Hughton, along with Assistant Manager Paul Trollope and First-Team
Coach Paul Nevin.
20 MAY 2019 - The Albion announced that they had appointed Graham
Potter (44) former Birmingham City, Stoke City, Southampton and West
Bromwich Albion defender and Head Coach of Ostersunds FK (Sweden)
and Swansea City as Albion Head Coach on a four-year contract. Potter
will be assisted by former Clyde and Hamilton Manager Billy Reid as
Assistant Head Coach, Bjorn Hamberg as First-Team Coach and former
Aberdeen and Peterhead player Kyle Macaulay as Assistant Head of
Recruitment.
JACK KAYE
( featuring the Arsenal (5/5) and Manchester City games (12/5) games
5 MAY 2019 - ARSENAL 1 ( Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 1 - 9 minutes,
penalty ) BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Glenn Murray 1 - 61 minutes,
penalty ) - PREMIER LEAGUE - at the EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON N5.
Having secured Premier League survival the previous weekend, the Seagulls headed to
North London to meet fifth-placed Arsenal in a Premier League game at the Emirates
Stadium, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Albion Manager Chris Hughton made three changes to his starting line-up from the game
at home to Newcastle United (1-1) on the 27 April 2019, with Yves Bissouma, Alireza
Jahanbakhsh and Solly March coming in for Beram Kayal, Jose Izquierdo and Florin
Andone.
Last time out Arsenal had beaten Valencia CF 3-1 on the 2 May 2019 in the UEFA Europa
League Semi-Final First Leg at the Emirates Stadium and for this game Head Coach Unai
Emery made five changes to his starting line-up from the Valencia game, with Bernd Leno,
Stephan Lichtsteiner, Nacho Monreal, Lucas Torreira and Henrikh Mkhitaryan replacing
Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Sead Kolasinac, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Matteo
Guendouzi.
In the reverse fixture at the Amex earlier this season on the 26 December 2018, the teams
drew 1-1 with Jurgen Locadia scoring for the Seagulls on 35 minutes after Pierre-Emerick
Aubameyang had opened the scoring for the Gunners on 7 minutes. Last season Arsenal
defeated the Albion 2-0 at the Emirates on the 1 October 2017, with their goals coming
from Nacho Monreal (16 mins) and Alex Iwobi (56 mins) but the Seagulls exacted revenge
on the 4 March 2018 at the Amex with a fine 2-1 win over the Arsenal with their goals
coming from Lewis Dunk (7 mins) and Glenn Murray (26 mins) and Aubameyang (43 mins)
netting a consolation in reply.
Looking for a win to help secure a top four finish it was the Arsenal who made the early
running. After Henrikh Mkhitaryan's shot had struck a post early on, the Gunner's took the
lead on 9 minutes when Referee Anthony Taylor penalised Alireza Jahanbakhsh for
bringing down Nacho Monreal in the box and up-stepped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
to convert the penalty for his 20th Premier League goal of the season. 0-1. The Albion
had a claim for a penalty rejected by Referee Taylor when a Pascal Gross free-kick
appeared to hit Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos on the arm as he jumped
in the defensive wall. Glenn Murray then saw his header from a Solly March cross easily
gathered by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Prior to the break a spell of Arsenal
pressure saw Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan make fine saves from Shkodran Mustafi's
header, Aubameyang's shot from a Mesut Ozil cross and from Mkhitaryan's dipping shot
from distance. Half-time 0-1.
First action of the second-half saw Arsenal keeper Leno make a smart save to keep out
a low shot from March. The Seagulls deservedly equalised just past the hour when
Mkhitaryan's wayward pass fell to March who made a lung-bursting sixty-yard run to the
Arsenal penalty area where Granit Xhaka fouled the winger who lost his footing and
Referee Taylor pointed to the spot. Murray calmly slotted the penalty kick past Leno for
his 12th Premier League goal of the season. 1-1. Thereafter the game became
stretched as both teams went for a winner with both Bernardo and Yves Bissouma
firing shots wide and then keeper Leno made a brilliant save to keep out a diving header
from March. At the other end Aubameyang missed a gilt-edged chance to notch a winner
for his team instead slicing his shot wide of the target. In the end it was honours even.
After the final whistle Arsenal bade farewell to goalkeeper Petr Cech (retiring), Aaron
Ramsey (off to Juventus in Italy) and Danny Welbeck (released). Final-score 1-1.
The Albion had 11 attempts at goal, with 5 on target and won 3 corners, free-kicks
conceded - 14. The Arsenal had 20 attempts at goal, with 8 on target and won 16
corners, free-kicks conceded - 9.
VERDICT - A fine performance by the Seagulls and a first point gained in twelve
visits to a top-six Premier League club. Outstanding performances came from keeper
Mathew Ryan, his back four of Captain Bruno Saltor, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk and
Bernardo and winger Solly March. A more than well-deserved point gained at the
Emirates Stadium.
Albion line-up (4-1-4-1):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt), Shane Duffy, Lewis
Dunk, Bernardo; Dale Stephens; Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Anthony Knockaert 46),
Pascal Gross (Beram Kayal 90), Yves Bissouma, Solly March; Glenn Murray
(Florin Andone 77). Subs not used: David Button (G/K), Dan Burn, Gaetan Bong,
Jurgen Locadia.
Arsenal line-up (4-3-1-2):- Bernd Leno; Stephan Lichtsteiner (Sead Kolasinac 76),
Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Nacho Monreal; Henrikh Mkhitaryan
(Matteo Guendouzi 76), Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka (Alex Iwobi 76); Mesut Ozil
(Capt); Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Subs not used: Petr
Cech (G/K), Laurent Koscielny, Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester). Assistant Referees: Gary Beswick
& Adam Nunn. Fourth Official: Graham Scott.
Yellow Cards: Albion: 2 - Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross. Arsenal: 4 - Sokratis
Papastathopoulos, Granit Xhaka, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Matteo Guendouzi.
Possession: Albion - 30%. Arsenal - 70%.
Attendance: 59965 (including 2971 Albion fans).
12 MAY 2019 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Glenn Murray 1 -
27 minutes ) MANCHESTER CITY 4 ( Sergio Aguero 1 - 28
minutes, Aymeric Laporte 1 - 38 minutes, Riyad Mahrez 1 - 63
minutes, Ilkay Gundogan 1 - 72 minutes ) - PREMIER LEAGUE -
at the AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER.
For their final Premier League game of the season the Albion faced Champions-
elect Manchester City at the Amex, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Prior to kick-off, last season's Champions City were top of the table with 95
points from 37 games. Liverpool, who were in second place with 94 points from
37 games faced Wolves at Anfield and City needed to match the Reds result in
order to retain the league title.
Following their creditable 1-1 draw at Arsenal on the 5 May 2019 Chris Hughton
the Albion Manager made two changes to his starting line-up from the Arsenal
game, with Beram Kayal and Anthony Knockaert replacing the injured Dale
Stephens (ankle) and Solly March (calf).
In their previous fixture title-chasing City had eased past Leicester City (1-0)
on the 6 May 2019 by courtesy of a superb long-range stunner from Captain
Vincent Kompany. For this game Manager Pep Guardiola made one change
to his starting line-up from the Leicester game, with Riyad Mahrez replacing
Phil Foden.
In the corresponding fixture at the Amex last season on the 12 August 2017
City beat the Albion 2-0, with the goals coming from Sergio Aguero (70 mins)
and a Lewis Dunk own goal (75 mins) The teams had previously met twice this season, in the
league at the Etihad on the 29 September 2018 when City won 2-0 with goals
from Raheem Sterling (29 mins) and Sergio Aguero (65 mins) and at Wembley
on the 6 April 2019 in a FA Cup Semi-Final when City scraped a 1-0 win,
thanks to a Gabriel Jesus header (4 mins).
On a bright sunny afternoon there was a cagey start by both teams but on 27
minutes the Seagulls took a surprise lead when Pascal Gross's inswinging
corner was headed home at the near post by Glenn Murray, who had eluded
his markers. It was Murray's 13th Premier League goal of the season and
you could hear the cheers in Liverpool. 1-0. Albion's lead lasted precisely
83 seconds as a smart move involving Aymeric Laporte and David Silva
ended with ace marksman Sergio Aguero who slipped the ball through Albion
keeper Mathew Ryan's legs and into the net. 1-1. The visitors took the lead
on 38 minutes when a corner taken by Riyad Mahrez was headed home
unchallenged by the unmarked Laporte - groans in Liverpool. 1-2. The
Seagulls had battled well against the Champions-elect first-half. Half-time 1-2.
Second-half saw the City clinch the points and title for the second season
running on 63 minutes when Silva fed Mahrez centrally and the winger left
Lewis Dunk on his backside before launching a right-foot drive into the top
corner of Ryan's net. 1-3. City's fourth came on 72 minutes when Ilkay
Gundogan sent a superb free-kick over Albion's defensive wall and into the
top corner. Game definitely over. 1-4. Albion's Captain Bruno Saltor, on his
retirement, left the field of play on 84 minutes to a standing ovation from both
Albion and City fans, plus handshakes and hugs all round. On 86 minutes
City Captain Vincent Kompany, on his retirement left the field to a standing
ovation from fans of both sides. The Albion did a lap of appreciation to their
fans after the final whistle and thereafter City were presented with the Premier
League trophy for the second year running. Final-score 1-4.
The Albion had 6 attempts at goal, with 2 on target and won 2 corners, free-
kicks conceded - 12. City had 20 attempts at goal, with 9 on target and won
6 corners, free-kicks conceded - 9.
VERDICT - Class prevailed in the end and City's win enabled them to pick
up the Premier League title for the second season running. The final league
table showed City top with 98 points, Liverpool second with 97 points and the
Albion in 17th spot with 36 points - 2 points above the relegation zone.
Albion line-up (4-3-3):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt) (Martin Montoya 84),
Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Bernardo; Pascal Gross, Beram Kayal, Yves
Bissouma; Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray (Florin Andone 67), Alireza
Jahanbakhsh (Jurgen Locadia 67). Subs not used: David Button (G/K), Dan
Burn, Gaetan Bong, Jayson Molumby.
Manchester City line-up (4-1-4-1):- Ederson; Kyle Walker (Danilo 88), Vincent
Kompany (Capt) (Nicolas Otamendi 86), Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko;
Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, David Silva (Kevin De Bruyne 78),
Riyad Mahrez; Sergio Aguero. Subs not used: Arijanet Muric (G/K), John Stones,
Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane.
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland). Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt &
Simon Bennett. Fourth Official: Paul Tierney.
Possession: Albion - 24%. Manchester City - 76%.
Match Sponsors (American Express) Albion Man of the Match: Bruno Saltor.
Attendance: 30662.
ALBION NEWS:
13 MAY 2019 - It was reported that the Albion had sacked Manager
Chris Hughton, along with Assistant Manager Paul Trollope and First-Team
Coach Paul Nevin.
20 MAY 2019 - The Albion announced that they had appointed Graham
Potter (44) former Birmingham City, Stoke City, Southampton and West
Bromwich Albion defender and Head Coach of Ostersunds FK (Sweden)
and Swansea City as Albion Head Coach on a four-year contract. Potter
will be assisted by former Clyde and Hamilton Manager Billy Reid as
Assistant Head Coach, Bjorn Hamberg as First-Team Coach and former
Aberdeen and Peterhead player Kyle Macaulay as Assistant Head of
Recruitment.
JACK KAYE
