Club news

Five Key Moments: Manchester United

By Adam Powers and Matthew Penn • 05 May 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion secured their safety in the Premier League for another season after a Pascal Gross header clinched a memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Here were the five key moments, on a momentous night for Chris Hughton's team.

Early let-off

Albion thought they got off to the worst of starts in the second minute, when Marouane Fellaini converted from a free-kick. The away supporters celebrated wildly, but didn't see the linesman's flag, who judged the Belgian to be offside. That let-off acted as a wake-up call to Hughton's men, who then came into the game.

Gross goal

The German technician, voted Albion's Player of the Season, had another influential game and notched his seventh goal of the season, with a little help from goalline technology. Gross headed in from close range, but Marcos Rojo's goal-line block planted doubt as to whether the ball had crossed line. Once Craig Pawson confirmed the goal, the roof went off.

Knockaert's flare

Anthony Knockaert showed all of his usual flare during the game, stifling defenders with his electric pace and persistence. The Frenchman drove at United’s players and minutes after the Albion went 1-0 up, he could've had a penalty. The tricky winger managed to bypass Ashley Young by the corner flag before meandering into the box and being tripped, but the decision was no penalty. His effort was not to be in vain though, as he was named Albion’s man of the match.  

Ryan save

United struggled to create a gilt-edged chance, but Maty Ryan was fantastic for the Seagulls, as he has been all season. The Australian confidently parried away Marcus Rashford's shot from 18 yards, which could have levelled things for the visitors. He also commanded his defence brilliantly for the late stages, ensuring they had the mettle to see through a historic victory.

Staying up

The Seagulls hit the all-important 40-point mark and will now spend the summer preparing for another season in the Premier League. After only losing four times at the Amex this season, Albion continued their impressive home record and claimed five points in the matches against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.