Pascal Gross inspires Brighton to fightback victory over West Ham

West Ham missed the chance to snatch a dramatic Europa League return after squandering a lead to lose 3-1 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. David Moyes’s side, who suffered semi-final heartbreak in the continental competition just over two weeks ago, were on course to leapfrog Manchester United into sixth position after Michail Antonio’s stunning 40th-minute opener.

However second-half strikes from Joël Veltman, Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck turned the game in Brighton’s favour to prevent West Ham capitalising on Manchester United losing 1-0 at Crystal Palace.

The east London club must be content with a place in the Europa Conference League next term after a result which saw Brighton secure a maiden top-half finish in the Premier League. It is the highest league position in the club’s 121-year history.

West Ham arrived on the south coast assured of at least seventh place but only two points behind Manchester United. Moyes stuck with the team which began last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, while defender Adam Webster replaced the injured Leandro Trossard for the hosts.

Brighton began brighter and threatened early on through Moisés Caicedo. But the visitors grew into the game and, shortly after travelling fans celebrated Manchester United falling behind at Selhurst Park, took the lead five minutes before the break with their first attempt on target.

Antonio did the damage, outmuscling Lewis Dunk on the edge of the Brighton penalty area following Vladimir Coufal’s throw-in before rifling a stunning left-footed effort into the top left corner.

Graham Potter reacted to the half-time deficit by bringing on striker Neal Maupay in place of midfielder Yves Bissouma. The attacking alteration had the desired impact as the