Analysis: Brighton

Brighton set up in a compact 4-4-2 structure. They used a high defensive line, with their midfield and attacking units remaining close. This did leave space in behind for attacking balls over the top, but this was rarely an issue.

Brighton enjoyed a positive opening 10 minutes, seeing plenty of the ball in good attacking areas. They disrupted Manchester United’s early rhythm with aggressive pressing in the midfield areas, and allowed the away side to build using short passes from defence into midfield before applying heavy pressure. Their packed defensive structure contained United’s attacks well.

The hosts mainly attacked during transitions from midfield. With Ashley Young moving very high when in possession for United, Brighton had space behind him in which to drive forward. Anthony Knockaert was set free on a number of occasions, creating chances and forcing David de Gea into early saves.

Knockaert continued to drive down Brighton’s right side and began to cut across the United defence. As he drifted across, Bruno could overlap from right-back into the vacant space. Brighton now had control of the wide area during transitions, and could provide crosses for Glenn Murray to attack inside the penalty area. They also held strong in defence for the remainder of the first half, with Mat Ryan rarely tested despite all of United’s possession.

The Seagulls stayed loyal to the same game plan in the second half. They still posed a threat with counter-attacks from deep, as United struggled to make consistent recovery runs. Brighton committed more players forward, sensing an opportunity to strike. Dale Stephens and Davy Propper alternatively joined the counter-attacks from central positions. This increased their attacking numbers and stopped United from doubling up defensively on Brighton’s dangerous wide players.

With Chris Hughton’s team now able to attack their opponents’ isolated full-backs, they struck hard. Jose Izquierdo cut back a high cross, and Pascal Gross rose highest to nod home. Despite the best efforts of Marcos Rojo, the ball snuck across the line, giving the home side the lead.

Brighton remained dangerous on the counter, as United threw players forward in a desperate attempt to grab an equaliser. With both their full-backs now high up the pitch, the Seagulls had even more space to attack. They couldn’t add to their goal, but were content to sit in a deep defensive block and see out a win that confirmed their Premier League status for another season.