A L B I O N R E P O R T ( 4 )
9 SEPTEMBER 2017 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 3 (Pascal Gross 2 -
45 minutes, 48 minutes, Tomer Hemed 1 - 63 minutes) WEST BROMWICH
ALBION 1 (James Morrison 1 - 77 minutes) - PREMIER LEAGUE - at the
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER.
Following their encouraging draw (0-0) at Watford on the 26 August 2017 and the intervening
international break, the Seagulls welcomed unbeaten fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion to the
Amex for a Premier League fixture.
Albion Manager Chris Hughton named an unchanged starting line-up from the Watford game.
There were no places in the squad for the newly-signed Argentinian-born defender Ezequiel
Schelotto and goalkeeper Tim Krul signed on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.
Baggies Head Coach Tony Pulis had been busy in the recent transfer window, bringing in
Egyptian international central defender Ahmed Hegazi on a season-long loan from Al Ahly,
with a view to a permanent move, defender Kieran Gibbs from Arsenal on a 4-year deal,
former Seagulls youngster and England international midfielder Gareth Barry from Everton,
former Nottingham Forest winger Oliver Burke from Bundesliga side RP Leipzig, England
international striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton for a reported £12 million transfer
fee and Polish international midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak from Paris Saint-Germain on a
season-long loan. Last time out the Baggies drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City on the 27
August 2017 and for today's fixture Pulis made two changes to his starting line-up, with
Jonny Evans and Grzegorz Krychowiak replacing Chris Brunt and James Morrison, the
latter two dropping down to the substitutes bench.
In front of a buoyant sell-out crowd, it was the Seagulls who opened the brighter of the
two teams with Solly March going close with a volley which sailed over the bar. On 12
minutes March sent in a fierce shot which Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster could only beat
out to the following-up Shane Duffy who shot home but Referee Chris Kavanagh rightfully
disallowed the goal for offside, much to the dismay of the Seagulls fans who were
desperately waiting for Seagulls first Premier League goal. Next, Anthony Knockaert tried
his luck from 25 yards out but keeper Foster held the Frenchman's shot with ease. The
visitors first attempt on goal came on 22 minutes when former Seagulls youngster Gareth
Barry latched on to a clearance but his shot from distance cleared the crossbar. A fine
Seagulls move then ended with a shot by Dale Stephens which flashed over the bar. Five
minutes before the break Seagulls goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced a magnificent save
to turn away a fierce volley from Barry. On the stroke of half-time the Seagulls deservedly
took the lead when March crossed from the left to the far post where the lurking Pascal
Gross controlled the ball, evaded his marker and saw his left-foot shot finish up in the net from
close-range via a deflection. The Seagulls supporters erupted at the scoring of their team's
first Premier League goal. Half-time 1-0.
Within three minutes of the resumption the Seagulls doubled their lead as the hard-working
Tomer Hemed found Gross with an astute pass and the German coolly sent a low right-foot
shot past the despairing dive of keeper Foster from 20 yards out. The Seagulls fans were
now on Cloud 9. 2-0. On 58 minutes keeper Foster made a superb save to keep out Duffy's
far-post header. Seagulls then lost Captain Bruno Saltor to injury, Liam Rosenior substituting.
The Seagulls virtually clinched the three points on 63 minutes when goalscorer Gross turned
provider as he sent in a precise cross from the left and Israeli international Hemed escaped
his marker Jonny Evans to send a glancing header past keeper Foster at the near post.
Seagulls supporters couldnt believe their eyes. 3-0. The Baggies pulled a goal back on 77
minutes when substitute Oliver Burke crossed the ball to fellow substitute James Morrison
who scored from close-range despite the valiant efforts of Duffy to clear the ball off the line.
3-1. The Seagulls saw the game out comfortably but keeper Ryan came to their rescue in
time added on when he made a good save to thwart Morrison. A fine and deserved first
ever Premier League win for the Seagulls. Final-score 3-1.
The Seagulls had 12 attempts at goal, with 6 on target and won 2 corners, free-kicks
conceded - 9. The Baggies had 12 attempts at goal, with 3 on target and won 6 corners,
free-kicks conceded - 4. Following the weekend results, the Seagulls found themselves
in 14th position in the Premier League, with 4 points from 4 games.
Brighton & Hove Albion line-up (4-4-1-1):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt) (Liam
Rosenior 62), Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Markus Suttner; Anthony Knockaert, Dale
Stephens, Davy Propper, Solly March; Pascal Gross; Tomer Hemed (Glenn Murray 83).
Subs not used: Niki Maenpaa (G/K), Uwe Huenemeier, Jiri Skalak, Jamie Murphy,
Jose Izquierdo.
West Bromwich Albion line-up (4-2-3-1):- Ben Foster; Craig Dawson, Jonny Evans (Capt),
Ahmed Hegazi (Kieran Gibbs 57), Allan-Romeo Nyom; Jake Livermore (James Morrison 71),
Gareth Barry; Matt Phillips, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Jay Rodriguez; Salomon Rondon (Oliver
Burke 57). Subs not used: Boaz Myhill (G/K), Claudio Yacob, Chris Brunt, James McClean.
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire). Assistant Referees: Peter Kirkup & Sian
Massey-Ellis. Fourth Official: Andre Marriner.
Yellow Cards: Brighton & Hove Albion: 2 - Solly March, Glenn Murray.
Match Sponsor's (Rainbow International Restoration) Brighton & Hove Albion Man of the
Match: Pascal Gross.
Possession: Brighton & Hove Albion - 49%. West Bromwich Albion - 51%.
Attendance: 30381 (including 3025 West Bromwich Albion fans).
TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS - 31 AUGUST 2017.
(1) - EZEQUIEL SCHELOTTO. The Seagulls announced the signing of Ezequiel
Schelotto - (28) - defender - from Sporting Lisbon - on a 3-year contract -
for a fee of £2.7 million. The Argentinian-born attacking full-back has also played
for Atalanta, Catania and Inter-Milan in Italy. He has one international cap for
Italy, playing in a friendly against England in 2012.
(2) - TIM KRUL. It was reported by the Seagulls that they had signed goalkeeper
Tim Krul (29) from Newcastle United on a season-long loan. A Holland international
with eight caps, Krul has been with the Magpies for 12 seasons and has recently
been out of favour at St. James Park under the reign of Rafa Benitez.
(3) - RICHIE TOWELL. It was announced that Seagulls midfielder Richie Towell
(26) had joined League One Rotherham United on a season-long loan.
For their fifth Premier League game of the season, the Albion travel to the Vitality
Stadium to take on AFC Bournemouth, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Now in their third season in the Premier League, the Cherries have made a poor
start to the current campaign, losing all four games played so far and are joint
bottom of the league. In the close-season Manager Eddie Howe consolidated his
squad by bringing in England international striker Jermain Defoe from Sunderland
and two players from Chelsea, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Nathan Ake.
The Cherries normally play a 3-5-2 formation and main danger to the Seagulls will
come from wing-backs Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels and front men Jermain
Defoe and the pacy Joshua King. A local derby and a point will do very nicely. The
Albion make a further trip to Bournemouth on the 19 September for a Third Round
Carabao Cup tie.
Jack Kaye.
14 September 2017.
9 SEPTEMBER 2017 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 3 (Pascal Gross 2 -
45 minutes, 48 minutes, Tomer Hemed 1 - 63 minutes) WEST BROMWICH
ALBION 1 (James Morrison 1 - 77 minutes) - PREMIER LEAGUE - at the
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER.
Following their encouraging draw (0-0) at Watford on the 26 August 2017 and the intervening
international break, the Seagulls welcomed unbeaten fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion to the
Amex for a Premier League fixture.
Albion Manager Chris Hughton named an unchanged starting line-up from the Watford game.
There were no places in the squad for the newly-signed Argentinian-born defender Ezequiel
Schelotto and goalkeeper Tim Krul signed on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.
Baggies Head Coach Tony Pulis had been busy in the recent transfer window, bringing in
Egyptian international central defender Ahmed Hegazi on a season-long loan from Al Ahly,
with a view to a permanent move, defender Kieran Gibbs from Arsenal on a 4-year deal,
former Seagulls youngster and England international midfielder Gareth Barry from Everton,
former Nottingham Forest winger Oliver Burke from Bundesliga side RP Leipzig, England
international striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton for a reported £12 million transfer
fee and Polish international midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak from Paris Saint-Germain on a
season-long loan. Last time out the Baggies drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City on the 27
August 2017 and for today's fixture Pulis made two changes to his starting line-up, with
Jonny Evans and Grzegorz Krychowiak replacing Chris Brunt and James Morrison, the
latter two dropping down to the substitutes bench.
In front of a buoyant sell-out crowd, it was the Seagulls who opened the brighter of the
two teams with Solly March going close with a volley which sailed over the bar. On 12
minutes March sent in a fierce shot which Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster could only beat
out to the following-up Shane Duffy who shot home but Referee Chris Kavanagh rightfully
disallowed the goal for offside, much to the dismay of the Seagulls fans who were
desperately waiting for Seagulls first Premier League goal. Next, Anthony Knockaert tried
his luck from 25 yards out but keeper Foster held the Frenchman's shot with ease. The
visitors first attempt on goal came on 22 minutes when former Seagulls youngster Gareth
Barry latched on to a clearance but his shot from distance cleared the crossbar. A fine
Seagulls move then ended with a shot by Dale Stephens which flashed over the bar. Five
minutes before the break Seagulls goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced a magnificent save
to turn away a fierce volley from Barry. On the stroke of half-time the Seagulls deservedly
took the lead when March crossed from the left to the far post where the lurking Pascal
Gross controlled the ball, evaded his marker and saw his left-foot shot finish up in the net from
close-range via a deflection. The Seagulls supporters erupted at the scoring of their team's
first Premier League goal. Half-time 1-0.
Within three minutes of the resumption the Seagulls doubled their lead as the hard-working
Tomer Hemed found Gross with an astute pass and the German coolly sent a low right-foot
shot past the despairing dive of keeper Foster from 20 yards out. The Seagulls fans were
now on Cloud 9. 2-0. On 58 minutes keeper Foster made a superb save to keep out Duffy's
far-post header. Seagulls then lost Captain Bruno Saltor to injury, Liam Rosenior substituting.
The Seagulls virtually clinched the three points on 63 minutes when goalscorer Gross turned
provider as he sent in a precise cross from the left and Israeli international Hemed escaped
his marker Jonny Evans to send a glancing header past keeper Foster at the near post.
Seagulls supporters couldnt believe their eyes. 3-0. The Baggies pulled a goal back on 77
minutes when substitute Oliver Burke crossed the ball to fellow substitute James Morrison
who scored from close-range despite the valiant efforts of Duffy to clear the ball off the line.
3-1. The Seagulls saw the game out comfortably but keeper Ryan came to their rescue in
time added on when he made a good save to thwart Morrison. A fine and deserved first
ever Premier League win for the Seagulls. Final-score 3-1.
The Seagulls had 12 attempts at goal, with 6 on target and won 2 corners, free-kicks
conceded - 9. The Baggies had 12 attempts at goal, with 3 on target and won 6 corners,
free-kicks conceded - 4. Following the weekend results, the Seagulls found themselves
in 14th position in the Premier League, with 4 points from 4 games.
Brighton & Hove Albion line-up (4-4-1-1):- Mathew Ryan; Bruno Saltor (Capt) (Liam
Rosenior 62), Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Markus Suttner; Anthony Knockaert, Dale
Stephens, Davy Propper, Solly March; Pascal Gross; Tomer Hemed (Glenn Murray 83).
Subs not used: Niki Maenpaa (G/K), Uwe Huenemeier, Jiri Skalak, Jamie Murphy,
Jose Izquierdo.
West Bromwich Albion line-up (4-2-3-1):- Ben Foster; Craig Dawson, Jonny Evans (Capt),
Ahmed Hegazi (Kieran Gibbs 57), Allan-Romeo Nyom; Jake Livermore (James Morrison 71),
Gareth Barry; Matt Phillips, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Jay Rodriguez; Salomon Rondon (Oliver
Burke 57). Subs not used: Boaz Myhill (G/K), Claudio Yacob, Chris Brunt, James McClean.
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire). Assistant Referees: Peter Kirkup & Sian
Massey-Ellis. Fourth Official: Andre Marriner.
Yellow Cards: Brighton & Hove Albion: 2 - Solly March, Glenn Murray.
Match Sponsor's (Rainbow International Restoration) Brighton & Hove Albion Man of the
Match: Pascal Gross.
Possession: Brighton & Hove Albion - 49%. West Bromwich Albion - 51%.
Attendance: 30381 (including 3025 West Bromwich Albion fans).
TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS - 31 AUGUST 2017.
(1) - EZEQUIEL SCHELOTTO. The Seagulls announced the signing of Ezequiel
Schelotto - (28) - defender - from Sporting Lisbon - on a 3-year contract -
for a fee of £2.7 million. The Argentinian-born attacking full-back has also played
for Atalanta, Catania and Inter-Milan in Italy. He has one international cap for
Italy, playing in a friendly against England in 2012.
(2) - TIM KRUL. It was reported by the Seagulls that they had signed goalkeeper
Tim Krul (29) from Newcastle United on a season-long loan. A Holland international
with eight caps, Krul has been with the Magpies for 12 seasons and has recently
been out of favour at St. James Park under the reign of Rafa Benitez.
(3) - RICHIE TOWELL. It was announced that Seagulls midfielder Richie Towell
(26) had joined League One Rotherham United on a season-long loan.
For their fifth Premier League game of the season, the Albion travel to the Vitality
Stadium to take on AFC Bournemouth, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Now in their third season in the Premier League, the Cherries have made a poor
start to the current campaign, losing all four games played so far and are joint
bottom of the league. In the close-season Manager Eddie Howe consolidated his
squad by bringing in England international striker Jermain Defoe from Sunderland
and two players from Chelsea, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Nathan Ake.
The Cherries normally play a 3-5-2 formation and main danger to the Seagulls will
come from wing-backs Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels and front men Jermain
Defoe and the pacy Joshua King. A local derby and a point will do very nicely. The
Albion make a further trip to Bournemouth on the 19 September for a Third Round
Carabao Cup tie.
Jack Kaye.
14 September 2017.
