Yankuba Minteh scored the decisive goal as Brighton condemned Sunderland to a third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.
The Gambia winger struck in the 58th minute from a tight angle, his sliced cross from the byline sneaking past Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.
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Sunderland players protested that play should have been stopped after midfielder Habib Diarra went down following a clash with Brighton captain Lewis Dunk as the corner was delivered.
However, the video assistant referee (VAR) reviewed the incident and allowed the goal to stand. Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke was also deemed onside despite blocking Ellborg’s view.
The victory marked Brighton’s third win in four league games and lifted Fabian Hurzeler’s side to 40 points, moving them above Sunderland on goal difference into 10th place. It was also the Seagulls’ first victory at the Stadium of Light since 1981, ending a nine-match winless run on Wearside.
Striker Brian Brobbey later blasted over the bar after Brighton were caught in possession trying to play out from the back, a miss that proved costly as the visitors struck soon after.
Despite late pressure from head coach Regis Le Bris’s side, Sunderland struggled to create clear chances. Diego Gomez also missed an opportunity to seal the result for Brighton on the counter-attack.
Having been unbeaten at home until February, Sunderland have now suffered three straight defeats at the Stadium of Light, a setback to their hopes of qualifying for European competition.
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