Slam Dunk — Brighton Captain Sees Red As Ronaldo And Co End Seagulls Unbeaten Run

Wednesday, 16 February 2022 12:51

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Brighton's seven-game undefeated Premier League streak was scuppered at Old Trafford by Manchester United in unfortunate circumstances last night (Tuesday).

Portuguese duo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, scored the goals in a 2-0 win for the home side, but the game remained competitive until Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk received his marching orders three minutes after Ronaldo's opener.

Brighton produced the more enterprising football in the opening exchanges, with United reliant on counter-attacks, the best chance coming the way of Jadon Sancho early on.

Indeed, it had required a spectacular save from David de Gea just to keep his side on level terms at the break, clawing away a Jakub Moder header with his outstretched right hand.

VAR intervened after the interval, upgrading yellow to red following Dunk's 54th minute foul on Anthony Elanga — his own poor touch presenting the Red Devils teenager with a glorious opportunity, before a desperate attempt to regain possession led to him fouling the youngster when through on goal.

The win — United's third in seven games — lifts Ralf Rangnick's side two points above West Ham and into the Champions League qualification places. Brighton remain ninth.

The lively Ronaldo's opener ended his personal goal drought in emphatic style.

The legendary forward, who extended his astonishing professional goals tally to 804, had gone six games without finding the net but blasted home before Dunk's red card and Bruno Fernandes' injury time strike, which added late gloss to the score.

Post match reaction

You were loud and proud tonight, #BHAFC fans. 👏 Safe trip home. 💙 pic.twitter.com/NTK79EkMo2
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 15, 2022

Brighton manager Graham Potter felt his side were hard done by:

"If the referee gave a red card live, I could've accepted it more, but I don't understand why VAR's getting involved in a clear and obvious error when it doesn't look clear and obvious.

"I thought we were the better team in the first half. There is lots to be positive about and I am proud of the players — it feels like a missed opportunity.

"The second goal is a foul on Alexis (Mac Allister) but it is what it is, you don't get those here. It looked like a push but we have to accept it."

Brighton Man of the Match

Jakub Moder

Credit: Brighton and Hove Albion.

The young Polish midfield dynamo was unfortunate not to score with a powerful header, while contributing two further efforts on De Gea's goal, one key pass and a pass success rate of 76%.

He continues to blossom on the south coast, although still awaiting his first Premier League goal.