Brighton edged out Bournemouth in a 2-1 triumph at the Amex, courtesy of a late winner from Danny Welbeck (Tuesday, February 25).

A bright start for Albion presented the hosts a couple of early chances, with Mitoma placing his shot wide following a superb through ball from midfield debutant Diego Gómez.

The Seagulls’ most promising chance, however, was gifted to them in the form of a penalty, as Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga came off his line and took out the incoming João Pedro.

It was the Brazilian who took the VAR confirmed penalty, slotting it coolly into the net for his twelfth penalty of the campaign.

Mistakes from Albion helped Bournemouth back into the match, however the chances were not capitalised upon by the Cherries.

A forced substitution of Alex Scott for Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie also provided an early blow to the Cherries set up.

This didn’t dispel Andoni Iraola’s side, as the away side were only denied by Bart Verbruggen’s fine saves, with a powerful hand denying Antoine Semenyo.

Ten minutes from halftime a superb cross from Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey was just a little behind Kaoru Mitoma, whose volleyed effort just clipped the far post.

On the hour mark, Cherries striker Justin Kluivert produced a screamer of a strike from the edge of the 18 yard box to stun the Amex crowd and level the score.

Kluivert’s twelfth goal of the Premier League season was a sucker punch to a strong Albion display in the second half.

The Cherries increased the intensity as they searched for a winner, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler ringing the changes with 20 minutes remaining.

It was substitute forward Welbeck who stole the headlines at the Amex, as fellow substitute Yasin Ayari passed the ball to Georginio Rutter, who turned and laid the ball into the striker’s path.

Welbeck slotted the ball past the incoming Arrizabalaga to send the Amex into euphoria. The Englishman’s finish secured Welbeck a record 30th Premier League goal, crowning him the competition’s joint top goalscorer for the Seagulls alongside Pascal Groß.

Iraola soon decided to bring on a striker of his own, introducing the previously long-term absentee Evanilson in the 77th minute.

Chances went begging for the Cherries late on as a corner found James Hill unmarked, however the centre-back could only glance his header wide of the far post.

The thrilling match finish included a VAR check for a potential handball from Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in a crowded penalty box. The ball proved to have rolled off of the centre-back’s arm from a natural position, and was deemed not a foul.

The last chance for the Cherries came in the final minute of additional time, as Verbruggen stretched to push a cross away. The ball inadvertently shot through Evanlison’s legs, before it was cleared from danger to conclude the frenetic South coast affair.

The Seagulls have now closed the gap on the Premier League’s top 5 to a single point, as they aim to secure a spot in Europe for next season.

These are the Albion player ratings for Brighton’s 2-1 victory against Bournemouth.

1. Bart Verbruggen- 7 The Albion goalkeeper had an assured performance in goal, dealing with most of the shots and crosses that came his way and produced several vital saves.

2. Pervis Estupiñán- 6 The left-back displayed a solid performance, however was caught out of position on occasions as Bournemouth opted to play the long ball.

3. Jan Paul van Hecke- 7 The Dutchman provided several robust challenges to quell Bournemouth’s advances. Bournemouth striker Dango Ouattara was, however, a handful for the centre-back in a strong second half spell for the Cherries.

4. Adam Webster C- 7 An impressive performance from Albion’s Captain, providing some vital tackles and playing confidently out from the back.

5. Tariq Lamptey- 6 The right-back was caught out on occasion by Bournemouth’s long balls over the top, but recovered well. Lamptey failed to close down Kluivert before he cut onto his right and produced a rocket of a strike to level the score.

6. Carlos Baleba- 6 Showcased his strength in the midfield and helped Albion to threaten early on. The defensive midfielder produced good link up play until his withdrawal.

7. Diego Gómez- 7 The young Paraguayan produced a promising debut: winning many tackles, and carrying and distributing the ball exceptionally.

8. Yankuba Minteh- 7 Some of Brighton’s promising attacks came through Minteh, who demonstrated his strength and helped in the build-up when receiving the ball from deep.

9. Georginio Rutter- 6 Complimented Mitoma well, and was lively in the early proceedings but failed to make the impact he would have desired as the game progressed.

10. Kaoru Mitoma- 7 Didn’t receive the ball often early on, however dribbled superbly down the left flank and caused problems for the Cherries. Despite Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook containing Mitoma well in the second half, Mitoma continued to look lively.

11. João Pedro- 7 The Albion forward threatened early on, and calmly converted his penalty. The Brazilian also continuously picked the ball up from deep and distributed play to the wingers, receiving TNT’s Man of the Match for his efforts.

12. Brighton substitutes:

Danny Welbeck- 7 Replaced Albion’s Pedro. Provided an instant impact by scoring Albion’s winner with just his second touch.

Jack Hinshelwood- 6 Replaced Estupiñán with just under 20 minutes remaining, and provided a solid showing at left-back.

Yasin Ayari- 6 Replaced debutant Gómez. Did well in the midfield, providing the ball through to Rutter to then lay off to eventual goalscorer Welbeck.

Mats Wieffer- 7 Replaced Baleba with seven minutes plus additional time remaining. Provided a vital role in breaking up play in the midfield, helping Albion to seal the crucial three points.

Solly March- 5 Replaced Rutter as the game entered additional time, and subsequently couldn’t make much of an impact as Bournemouth searched for their equaliser.