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Brighton ended their eight-game winless streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich on Thursday night, in a match marred by controversy surrounding Joao Pedro’s yellow card.
The Seagulls struggled to break down Ipswich’s defense in the first half, with the visitors creating several scoring opportunities. Nathan Broadhead, Liam Delap, and Omari Hutchinson all tested Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who made solid stops to deny them.
However, the game’s dynamics changed in the 52nd minute. Pedro appeared to commit a reckless challenge on Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton off the ball, sparking heated debates over whether he should have been sent off. Referee Tony Harrington opted for a yellow card, a decision upheld by VAR.
The incident proved pivotal, as six minutes later, Kaoru Mitoma capitalized on Walton’s error to score the opening goal. Mitoma’s shot from the edge of the box slipped through Walton’s hands, giving Brighton a crucial lead.
Brighton then made strategic substitutions to solidify their advantage. One of the substitutes, Georginio Rutter, sealed the win with a clever flick from a set-piece in the 76th minute. Although VAR reviewed the goal for a potential offside infringement by Lewis Dunk, who was in close proximity to Walton, the goal was deemed legitimate.
The defeat pushed Ipswich back into the relegation zone on goal difference, while Brighton leapfrogged into the top half of the table. The victory marked a welcome turnaround for the Seagulls, ending their longest winless run since December 2021, when Graham Potter’s side went 11 games without a win.
