Evan Ferguson’s brilliant backheel helps inspired Brighton win at Bournemouth

Evan Ferguson looks destined to play in the Champions League sooner rather than later, but will it be with Brighton? A stunning backheel finish from the 18-year-old Ireland international – his fourth league goal of a memorable first full season – and a late strike from another teenager, the substitute Julio Enciso, enabled Roberto De Zerbi’s side to overcome a spirited Bournemouth effort and move to within striking distance of the top four.

Just four points now separate Brighton from Tottenham – who have played two more games – and if Ferguson can maintain this kind of form then De Zerbi they can make it a season to remember despite the abrupt departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea in September. For Gary O’Neil, whose side find themselves back in the bottom three after wasting a hatful of chances, it was a harsh lesson from which they must learn quickly.

Bournemouth’s revival since losing five successive matches in all competitions at the turn of the year has been built on an excellent home record that has included victories against Fulham and Liverpool in their last two matches here. Not since the days of Eddie Howe in February 2018 had they made it three, with Brighton perhaps offering the sternest test of the lot given their recent form.

In contrast to the patient approach that became their mantra under De Zerbi’s side racked up their 50th league goal of the season in the first half – the fourth highest in the division – and look on course for the club’s best league finish with an FA Cup semi-final to come as well. Yet beforehand De Zerbi will have been fully aware of the threat Bournemouth could pose to his side after Brighton’s narrow 1-0 victory at the Amex Stadium in February courtesy of Kaoru Mitoma’s header three