Brighton sweep past Southampton to secure top-seven finish and first-ever European football campaign

Brighton secured a top-seven finish and European football next season with a 3-1 win over Southampton at the Amex. Evan Ferguson got the opener when Alexis Mac Allister pounced on a loose ball and passed to Evan Ferguson who eschewed any consideration of technique and simply blasted his shot through Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Ad Mac Allister found Ferguson in the box again shortly afterwards but a scything tackle from Brazilian defender Lyanco put an end to the chance.

It also threatened to end the day for both players, but after an extended treatment break they were each able to continue. Premier LeagueWest Ham deliver blow to Leeds survival hopes with comeback win4 HOURS AGO Ferguson doubled Brighton's lead with an assured finish in the 40th minute after a brilliant interception, run, and pass from Kaoru Mitoma. Choruses of «we're all going on a European tour» began to echo around the Amex as the Seagulls continued to dominate.

After the break, Southampton looked much improved and tried to take the game to Brighton. Mohamed Elyounoussi gave Saints hope with a glancing header on a wickedly-curling James-Ward Prowse corner in the 58th minute. Sixty seconds later they had another corner, and only desperate defending from Ferguson allowed the Seagulls to clear their lines.

Saints thought they had their equaliser in the 63rd minute when Theo Walcott raced in behind, badly exposing the high Brighton line. The former Arsenal winger was unhurried in front of goal, but a VAR check overruled the on-field decision and ruled out the goal for offside. Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi reacted to his side's loss of control by introducing Danny Welbeck in place of Ferguson who seemed disappointed to be withdrawn.