The media review: Albion ease to win over Wolves

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A look at how the newspapers and websites reported our 3-0 victory on Saturday

Nick Szczepanik

2026-05-10T10:15+01:00

Maxim De Cuyper is mobbed after his cross led to Albion's early goal.

The first five minutes at a sun-kissed Amex on Saturday suggested that fans might be in for a repeat of the 6-0 victory over Wolves in similar weather back in 2023. It was not to be, but the reporters in the press box all seemed to have absorbed the good vibes.

Rob Maul conveyed the positivity around the Amex in The Sun on Sunday. “Brighton remain in the hunt for potential Champions League qualification as boss Fabian Hurzeler marked the signing of a new contract in style,” he wrote.

“Two goals in the opening five minutes – from Englishmen Jack Hinshelwood, on 35 seconds, and Lewis Dunk – and then a late Yankuba Minteh strike sunk weak Wolves, one of the worst teams in Premier League history

“If the Seagulls win their final two matches – and results involving Bournemouth and Brentford go their way – then they could be dining at the top table of continental football.

“Only once before have Brighton dusted off their passports for European combat but if things go to plan the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-German could be here come the autumn.

“In bright spring sunshine, with global superstar Fat Boy Slim doing a surprise DJ set for punters in the fans’ zone, it was party time in Sussex for everyone connected with Brighton.

“Inside the Amex Stadium, blue-and-white-striped fans were dancing and jigging as early as the first minute when Hinshelwood continued his fine form by scoring for the third successive match.

“After Wolves carelessly lost possession in midfield, the ball was fed out to Brighton full-back Maxim De Cuyper and the Belgian’s delightful cross was attacked with purpose by the Worthing lad.

#brightonandhovealbion #wolvesfc #premierleaguematch Action from the Amex as bottom of the table Wolves take on Europe hunting Brighton. Highlights in partnership with @mpbcom. Buy, sell and trade used camera gear. https://bit.ly/MPB457

“It was a superb header, timed at 35 seconds on the match clock, which some visiting spectators missed as they were only just making their way to their seats.

“It is Brighton’s earliest ever goal in the Premier League – yes, there was football before 1992, but it is still a landmark moment.

“If the travelling contingent had not felt shell-shocked by that awful start, then worse was to come as Wolves failed to defend the first corner.

“De Cuyper was the provider again and giant captain Dunk outmuscled Joao Gomes at the back post to score with a powerful header.”

In the Sunday Times, Paul Rowan wrote that Albion “remain in the hunt for Europe after a comfortable win was sealed with goals from Jack Hinshelwood, Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh.

“Brighton were a goal ahead in 35 seconds when Hinshelwood attacked Maxin De Cuyper’s cross with a header, outjumping the taller Toti. Four minutes later there was a mismatch in the air as the diminutive Joao Gomes ended up marking Dunk, who headed in from close range.

“Wolves could not register a shot in the first half and Brighton dominated possession, but while Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck went close, they could not add to the tally.

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Albion ran out comfortable victors at home to Wolves on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Jack Hinshelwood, Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh scored the goals to secure three points for Fabian Hurzeler.

“Wolves got into a defensive tangle again four minutes from the end and the irrepressible Minteh got himself on the scoresheet with a powerful shot that beat Dan Bentley at his near post.”

The Mail on Sunday reported that “Brighton lifted their hopes of European qualification by beating a Wolves side described as ‘embarrassing’ by their own manager, and simultaneously lifted the spirits of Alfie Burrows, the young son of their popular kit man Alex ‘Buzz’ Burrows.

“Alfie is recovering from surgery on a brain tumour and Lewis Dunk celebrated his goal in a 3-0 victory by making the sign of a latter A. ‘It’s another prime example of the togetherness in this club,’ said head coach Fabian Hurzeler. ‘If Buzz and his family saw it, then this is for you.’

“Hurzeler himself celebrated the signing of a new three-year contract, saying: ‘I’m looking forward to what is waiting for us because it could be very exciting.’ If that is to be Europe, then with the number of possible permutations, beating Wolves was an essential first step.

“The result seldom looked in any doubt from just the 35th second, when Hinshelwood timed his run perfectly to head Brighton’s quickest Premier League goal.

“Four minutes later, skipper Dunk nodded in De Cuyper’s corner to become the club’s 19th different scorer, the highest number in the Premier League this season.

#brightonandhovealbion #wolvesfc Fabian Hurzeler, Lewis Dunk and Jack Hinshelwood give their reaction to the victory over Wolves as Brighton keep their European dream alive.

“Brighton were able to one-touch their way through the visitors’ defence at will, and with goal difference a likely factor in the race for Europe, running up the score must have been on their minds.

“But it did not work out that way. Kaoru Mitoma shot wide, Dan Bentley saved Danny Welbeck’s header and Wolves recovered their composure.

“Briefly momentum shifted. Yerson Mosquera clipped Brighton’s crossbar with a header, Hwang Hee-Chan struck a post, Adam Armstrong missed a sitter on his 100th Premier League appearance and Mitoma went off with what looked like a season-ending hamstring injury.

“But Brighton got back on top and Minteh was ruthless when his chance came.”

On the BBC Sport website, Adwaidh Rajan noted Hinshelwood’s contribution to Albion’s spring revival.

“Belgian full-back De Cuyper replaced the injured Mats Wieffer and provided the assists for both goals - first floating in a cross for Hinshelwood to score his fourth of the season.

“It was further proof of the 21-year-old relishing the number 10 role offered to him by manager Fabian Hurzeler in February.

“Brighton had one league win in 13 games when Hinshelwood was moved behind Welbeck in the 2-0 win at Brentford. Since then, they have won seven of their 10 games.

“But with two still to play and sixth place likely to secure Champions League football, the stakes remain very high for Brighton, with Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea and Everton still in contention.

“Hearing the Champions League anthem at the Amex next season might not have been high on most supporters' wish lists, but it is now a possibility - and would be a fitting reward for Hurzeler after he committed his future to the club with a new deal until 2029.”