Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Brighton secured European football for the first time and all but ensured it will be in the Europa League after Evan Ferguson’s brace helped them to a 3-1 home victory over relegated Southampton.
The 18-year-old inked his name in Albion’s history books with a brace before the break to edge his side towards their first continental berth.
Mohamed Elyounoussi made things interesting when he headed home to narrow the deficit in the second half, which also saw VAR chalk off a potential Saints equaliser before Pascal Gross put the game away.
Sixth-placed Brighton, who have a game in hand, could still finish level on points with Aston Villa below them, but their final-day opponents would have to overcome a near-impossible goal difference to finish above the Seagulls and clinch the Europa League spot.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC 3 - 1 Southampton FC
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:50
That win feels SO GOOD! 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/Jd3sIVpLZ3
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:29
Forza the European Seagulls. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WpqD13NgTW
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:14
Brighton's recent flight shows no signs of stopping then. Their destination? Europe. That's all for now. Goodbye!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:12
Brighton have cemented their position in sixth in the Premier League table with this win. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have scored more goals than De Zerbi's men this season, and they had 26 shots here. They continue to impress. Southampton stay bottom, winless in their last 12 games. They will be glad their season will soon be over.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:05
🎶 WE’RE ALL GOING ON A EUROPEAN TOUR 🎶
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:05
Brighton have gotten back to winning ways by seeing off Southampton! The Seagulls were irrepressible as ever, racing to a 2-0 lead in the first half. The Saints briefly caused the hosts trouble after the break, pulling a goal back before Walcott's attempt was ruled out for offside. Gross scored shortly after to wrap the victory up.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
16:01
FULL-TIME: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 3-1 SOUTHAMPTON
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:59
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:59
FT: TOP SEVEN SECURED! 🔐
[3-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/1IWjQLKOxL— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:59
Welbeck invitingly rolls the ball into the path of Estupinan, who shoots powerfully first time from the edge of the box. McCarthy blocks the shot with his legs.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:55
Yellow Card Facundo Valentín Buonanotte
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:55
Brighton are still making efforts to extend their lead. McCarthy makes a smart save to push Buonanotte's powerful drive away from danger.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:55
There will be seven minutes of added time before the final whistle. This game's been over as a contest since Brighton's third goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:52
Brighton give Mitoma the last few minutes off. Gilmour comes on to replace him.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:52
Welbeck gratefully receives Estupinan's pass to the left of the box and fires off-target from a tight angle.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:51
88': Our final substitutes of the afternoon see Kaoru and Levi come off for Billy and JP. 🔁
[3-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/KXf2dv6JHT— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:52
Brighton pepper Southampton's goal a little more. Mac Allister's effort from outside the box is too high. Undav has a crack of his own seconds later, curling wide of the left-hand post.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:52
Substitution Levi Lemar Samuels Colwill Jan Paul van Hecke
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:49
The latest shot count: Brighton have had 20 shots. Southampton have had five. It would have been lax of the Seagulls not to win this game after being 2-0 up and cruising.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:47
84: Another one of our own.
Kamari Doyle is introduced for a @premierleague debut. [3-1] pic.twitter.com/m0QzzpJCAX— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:47
Substitution Roméo Lavia Kamari Doyle
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:44
Brighton are still looking for goals, albeit less intensely than before. Buonanotte doesn't trouble McCarthy with a wayward shot from distance.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:43
Livramento hands Brighton a corner. They can't do anything with it as Colwill heads over, but at this stage of the game they will be fine with that.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:42
That third Brighton goal looks to have finally killed Southampton off. It's a shame for Selles' men. They had their tails up for a minute before Walcott's goal was ruled out.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:40
75': Another Albion sub as Joel is replaced by Deniz. 🔁
[3-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/hw4KRrKgpm— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:40
77: Welcome back, @tino_livramento ❤️ [3-1] pic.twitter.com/rCQnYio4jw
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:39
Southampton pressure Buonanotte into handing them another corner. Brighton manage to deal with this one more confidently.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:39
Substitution James Bree Valentino Francisco Livramento
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:37
Scenes. 😍 pic.twitter.com/bYL9sQ4PlA
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:37
Substitution Joël Ivo Veltman Deniz Undav
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:37
Chance for Brighton! Veltman reaches Gross' free-kick and heads it towards the bottom left corner. McCarthy prevents the header from reaching its target, tipping it out for a corner.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:34
71: A triple change, including a @premierleague debut for #SaintsFC Academy product Dom Ballard. [3-1] pic.twitter.com/adIyLlYFFs
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:33
Yellow Card Joël Ivo Veltman
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:33
69': Pascal controls a high ball in the box, gets it out of his feet and then drills a strike in at the near post! 🇩🇪👑
[3-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/TBDY4T816E— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:33
Substitution Mohamed Amine Elyounoussi Kamaldeen Sulemana
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:32
Substitution Carlos Jonas Alcaraz Stuart Armstrong
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:32
Substitution Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo Dominic Ballard
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:32
69: Goal. Gross. [3-1]
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:31
PASCAL POWERS HOME!!! 💥 pic.twitter.com/RRzj9yZ3CM
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:29
Yellow Card James Bree
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:29
NO GOAL! BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON! Walcott was offside as he reached Ward-Prowse's throughball, so Southampton's equaliser won't stand. The Saints are understandably disappointed. Brighton will breathe a sigh of relief.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:28
64': Second switch for Albion sees Welbz replace Evan. 🔁
[2-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/uRAjsNVYMO— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:28
Substitution Evan Joe Ferguson Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:28
GOAL! BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 2-2 SOUTHAMPTON! Incredibly, Southampton are level! Walcott shows his pace of old to race behind Brighton's high line and onto Ward-Prowse's throughball. The Englishman draws Steele off his line and calmly clips it over him. The visiting fans celebrate, but the goal's being checked for offside...
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:27
62: Walcott races clear and finds the back of the net, but a VAR review rules out the goal for offside. [2-1]
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:26
No he doesn't! 😅 Offside after a VAR check. ❌ https://t.co/OLynsvQUHV
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:28
Yellow Card James Michael Edward Ward-Prowse
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:25
Goal Theo James Walcott
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:25
62': Theo Walcott equalises.
[2-2] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:24
Southampton force another corner down their right. Brighton manage to deal with it, but they suddenly look jittery.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:23
58: @Prowsey16's corner is whipped in dangerously and @Moielyo rises highest to head home! [2-1] pic.twitter.com/jlwOLYaT0p
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:22
One back! 👊 [2-1] pic.twitter.com/PnMSW7JZfH
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:21
Assist James Michael Edward Ward-Prowse
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:21
One back! 👊 [2-1] pic.twitter.com/BOTBjNrbhV
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:21
58': Mohamed Elyounoussi pulls one back.
[2-1] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:20
Goal Mohamed Amine Elyounoussi
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:20
Gross twists this way and that on the edge of the box but can't get a clean shot away. The German tries again and gets a routine save out of McCarthy.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:18
Southampton show signs of life. Brighton win the first header from Alcaraz's cross from the right. Steele claims the loose ball.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:16
Southampton clear the corner, but they can't escape their own half. Aribo is looking very isolated up front.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:16
Brighton are showing no signs of letting up yet. Mitoma pings a pass in the direction of Buonanotte. The ball deflects out for a corner to the hosts.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:12
Buonanotte drifts inside from the right and slams the ball into Levia. The Belgian's left winded and needs treatment.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:12
Mac Allister gets bundled over outside the box. From the free-kick, Estupinan picks out Colwill at the far post, who fouls Aribo in his eagerness to attack the ball.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:09
We're back underway for the second half. Brighton will want to resume where they left off.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:10
47': RDZ makes his first change as Facundo comes on for Julio. 🔁
[2-0] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIeLz3 // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/tm6BcS7QKn— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:07
Substitution Julio César Enciso Espínola Facundo Valentín Buonanotte
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:07
46: The second half begins. [2-0] pic.twitter.com/X7srmjIV8z
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:07
46': More of the same please, Albion. 🙏
[2-0] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ONFVLMcBA8— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
15:00
Southampton have failed to score a first-half goal in 26 of their 37 Premier League games this season. That's more than any other side in the division. It's easy to see why they're going down. In contrast, Brighton have been effervescent. They wouldn't look out of place in Europe next season at all.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:55
This is looking like a routine win so far for Brighton. The Seagulls have been in control of this game and deserve their convincing lead, with both their goals scored by their young Irishman Ferguson. Southampton are playing like the team they are: a relegated one with nothing to play for.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:53
HT: So far, so good! 🙌
[2-0] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/WnvtIb2kXM— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:54
HALF-TIME: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 2-0 SOUTHAMPTON
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:52
Starboy. 🇮🇪✨ @Evan_Ferguson9 ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/FQaqSO7Cqv
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:52
Behind at the break. pic.twitter.com/8JSwG4ZgE6
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:51
Mitoma's been brilliant in this first half. The Brighton man receives Caicedo's pass, checks onto his right foot and drags the ball wide at the near post.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:49
Lavia gets back in time to intercept Gross' cross before Ferguson can reach it. Walker-Peters buys Southampton a free-kick to ease the pressure on them for now.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:48
The officials indicate there will be a minimum of five added minutes at the end of this first half. It's been an easy one for Brighton.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:46
Southampton have yet to have a shot on target. The Saints have been underwhelming going forward all season.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:45
Yellow Card Mohamed Amine Elyounoussi
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:43
40': Kaoru does the hard work, beating Romeo Lavia on the left before curling a brilliant cross into the box which Evan slots home! 💫
[2-0] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/ewjAaXxY7f— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:42
Assist Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:42
40: Ferguson adds a second. [2-0]
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:42
IT'S THAT MAN AGAIN! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oAMbrbhlu3
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:41
Goal Evan Joe Ferguson
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:41
BIG goal from @Evan_Ferguson9! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/4QrJ5Hdh38
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:41
Gross is too eager to get the ball back from Lavia in Southampton's box and ends up fouling the Belgian.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:39
Lyanco and Ferguson are thankfully both fine. Play gets back underway.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:38
Mac Allister clips the ball across the box. Lyanco slips as he clears it and lands awkwardly. The Brazilian and Ferguson both need some medical attention.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:36
Southampton are showing flashes of quality, but they've not been consistent enough to worry Brighton yet. Walcott wriggles free down the right and gets off a cross-cum-shot that bounces wide of Steele's goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:35
Yellow Card Carlos Jonas Alcaraz
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:34
29': Alexis plays a pass off to Evan on the edge of the box and he takes a touch before powering a shot past Alex McCarthy! 🎯
[1-0] 📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/ZsGsYDb8p1— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:34
Brighton have been well on top in the opening half hour of this game. They've had seven shots to Southampton's one.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:31
Assist Alexis Mac Allister
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:31
29: Goal. Ferguson. [1-0]
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:31
Goal Evan Joe Ferguson
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:31
EVANNNNNNN!!! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DqBthkDY0h
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 21, 2023
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:29
Gross' latest delivery into Southampton's box comes to nothing. Brighton come straight back though, and McCarthy rises high to claim Gross' sailing shot.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:29
Brighton earn another foul in the centre of the pitch. They'll get another opportunity to test Southampton from a set-piece.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:27
Enciso has another speculative shot blocked. Brighton are starting to rack up shots at goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:26
Quick as a flash, Brighton are in! Mitoma gets loose in the penalty area and blasts straight into McCarthy, who rushes off his line. The ball hits the woodwork and back into safety for Southampton.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
14:24
We're 20 minutes into the game. The Brighton fans have already started cheering their team's every touch of the ball.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
