Brighton win 2-0 at Sunderland despite playing over 30 minutes with ten men

Brighton & Hove Albion won 2-0 at Sunderland on Saturday to make it three straight Premier League wins without conceding. Second-half goals from Maxim De Cuyper and substitute Jaouen Hadjam sealed the victory despite Pascal Struijk's red card just before the hour mark.

  • Final score: Sunderland 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
  • Goals: Maxim De Cuyper (53), Jaouen Hadjam (90+2)
  • Red card: Pascal Struijk (Brighton, 58)
  • League position: Brighton stay third

Brighton's ten-man resilience secures third straight win

Fabian Hurzeler's side backed up their dominant 3-0 home victory over champions Arsenal before the international break with an equally impressive display on Wearside. The Seagulls had to play more than half an hour with ten men after Pascal Struijk was shown a straight red card, but they rarely looked troubled thereafter.

Captain Pascal Gross once again controlled the game from midfield, creating the opener eight minutes into the second period. In doing so, he became the oldest player to provide an assist in three successive top-flight games at the age of 35 years and 117 days, since Ryan Giggs in February 2012.

Maxim De Cuyper put Brighton ahead in the 53rd minute from Gross's assist, and substitute Jaouen Hadjam sealed the win in stoppage time. The victory keeps Brighton third in the Premier League table and extends their impressive run.

The numbers

  • Possession: Sunderland 43% - 57% Brighton
  • Shots: Sunderland 12 - 15 Brighton
  • Shots on target: Sunderland 3 - 6 Brighton
  • Corners: Sunderland 4 - 7 Brighton
  • Fouls: Sunderland 10 - 12 Brighton

Pascal Gross sets new assist record

At 35 years and 117 days, Pascal Gross became the oldest player to provide an assist in three successive top-flight games since Ryan Giggs in February 2012. The Brighton captain's influence from midfield was crucial in unlocking a stubborn Sunderland defence.

Gross's assist for De Cuyper's opener was his third in as many games, underlining his importance to Fabian Hurzeler's side. The German midfielder continues to defy his age with consistently high-level performances in the Premier League.

Talking points

  • Brighton's ability to win comfortably with ten men raises questions about their title credentials.
  • Pascal Struijk's red card could lead to a suspension, testing Brighton's squad depth.
  • Sunderland's inability to capitalise on the numerical advantage highlights their struggles in front of goal.
  • Pascal Gross's form at 35 begs the question: should he be considered for a Germany recall?

What happens next

Brighton will look to continue their winning run in their next Premier League fixture, while Sunderland will aim to bounce back. The Seagulls' next match could see them consolidate their top-three position.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score between Sunderland and Brighton?

Brighton won 2-0 at Sunderland, with goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Jaouen Hadjam.

Who was sent off in Sunderland vs Brighton?

Brighton defender Pascal Struijk was shown a straight red card just before the hour mark after a VAR review.

Where are Brighton in the Premier League table?

Brighton stay third in the Premier League after their 2-0 win at Sunderland.

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