Were we about to get burnt once again, emotionally, not just by the spring sunshine. But by an ex like Graham Potter? Or could we finally start chasing the sun for real with a Brighton win against West Ham?
Welcome to Albion’s Extra Time, where we take a look back at the week’s action in just about three minutes.
The big pre-match boost? Solly March made his first start of the season. A long-awaited return and a player whose presence promised inspiration. However, there were key absences too. João Pedro sat this one out due to suspension following last week’s red card, and JP Van Hecke was also under concussion protocol after a heavy clash of heads last weekend. You should see the other guy!
Just like spring bursting into life, so did Brighton. The team came out with crisp passing and fluid attacking play. On 13 minutes, Ayari curled a sublime strike into the top right corner, giving West Ham’s keeper absolutely no chance. 1-0, and the Amex was rocking under the sunshine.
West Ham didn’t offer much in the first half, but when they did threaten, Bart Verbruggen stepped up. With the sun in his eyes (possibly), the Dutchman made a stunning fingertip save, pushing the ball onto the bar. Calm, composed, and crucial.
But perhaps we started to feel the heat (or just lost concentration) because within just three minutes of the second half, Brighton switched off. Jarrod Bowen found himself with acres of space, and Mohammed Kudus slotted the ball through Bart’s legs. 1-1. Kudus indeed.
I was incredibly annoyed with the Seagulls this weekend. Not just the ones dive-bombing my chips on the beach, but also the footballing kind. The second half followed a frustratingly familiar script: dominant possession, slick attacking moves, but little end product. And always the threat of that dreaded counterattack.
Still, West Ham’s next goal wasn’t a counter but pure class. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (yes, him!) pulled off a nonchalant backheel to find Bowen, who delivered a cross worthy of highlight reels. Tomas Soucek was on the end of it, and he couldn’t miss. 2-1 to the Hammers in the 83rd minute. The stadium began to empty, as dreams of Europe seemed to fade once more.
Or so we thought.
What happened next was the stuff of football dreams (or nightmares) if you were one of the fans who left early (see my video via @sleeperbhafc on TikTok that reached 150K views!). Just six minutes later, Mitoma rose to head home an equaliser. 2-2. But even that didn’t seem enough to truly reignite our European hopes.
Then, cometh the hour, cometh Carlos Baleba. A name with serious buzz since his signing, he stepped up with a goal of real quality. The ultimate swerve, stunning, and totally unstoppable. An absolute screamer. The Amex erupted, and even manager, Fabs, showed a rare burst of passion on the touchline. 3-2. A last-gasp win. Europe? Somehow, still alive.
All in all, it was almost the perfect day: a comeback victory, sunshine that wouldn’t quit, and pints flowing in celebration. No one wanted to leave. Well, until a certain team booked their place in the FA Cup final and stole a bit of our thunder. Typical.
But for Albion fans, this felt like a moment in the sun at last. And maybe, just maybe, the spark that could push us toward another European adventure.
