Unbeaten October Sets New Records
Brighton & Hove Albion picked up three consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since 1981 in the month of October. Chris Hughton’s men recorded three 1-0 wins to move them up to 11th place in the Premier League and were the only side in the division to record maximum points in the third month of the season. First on the agenda was a home game with West Ham United under the lights at the Amex, and a first-half goal was enough to settle the contest in front of the Sky Sports cameras. It came courtesy of Glenn Murray but owed much to the endeavour and determination of Beram Kayal. The Israeli midfielder got down the left and delivered a cross into the area which was steered home by the forward for his 99th goal for the club. Albion went close to doubling their advantage in the second period and stood resolute at the other end of the field, as the side picked up their first clean sheet of the season. Following the international break the side made the long trip to the north east to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with the hosts going in search of their first victory of the season. Kayal continued his eye-catching form with the game’s only goal, after he deflected in Jose Izquierdo’s powerful effort from the edge of the area following a corner. Albion had to stand firm after the restart, and the trio of Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy and Maty Ryan all excelled on Tyneside as the Seagulls claimed a first away victory of the campaign in a month of continued firsts. The final contest of October would prove to be a landmark one for Murray, as Albion made it three from three. Wolves were the visitors to the south coast and began the contest brightly – but once again the Albion rearguard stood firm. After the break, Murray made history by netting his 100th goal for the club it came in arguably textbook fashion. Bruno’s effort looked to be heading out of play, but the striker was in the right place at the right time to steer the ball low and past Rui Patricio into the net, reaching a momentous milestone in the process. 48: GOOOOOAAAALLLL! He's done it! There's the century! 🔵 #BHAFC 1-0 #WOL 🐺 pic.twitter.com/70vlgVcqOv — Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) October 27, 2018 Not for the first time during October, Dunk and Duffy superbly thwarted attempts by the opposition to get back into the contest, and Ryan saved brilliantly from Ryan Bennett right at the death as Albion held on to claim another crucial three points.