Brighton secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham, thanks to Joao Pedro’s 98th-minute penalty, moving them within a point of fourth-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.
Fulham took the lead in the 31st minute when Raul Jimenez controlled Alex Iwobi’s cross before finishing from close range. However, Brighton responded quickly, equalizing just six minutes later. Yasin Ayari’s well-placed set-piece delivery found Jan Paul van Hecke unmarked, and the Dutch defender guided his header past Bernd Leno and in off the far post.
Brighton pushed for a winner in the second half, with Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra both having goals ruled out for offside. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Harrison Reed fouled Joao Pedro in the box deep into stoppage time. After a VAR review upheld the decision, Pedro stepped up and calmly slotted home the penalty, sealing Brighton’s first-ever Premier League win over Fulham.
This victory extends Brighton’s winning streak to four matches, equalling their best-ever run in England’s top flight since 1981. Remarkably, Fabian Hurzeler’s side has bounced back in style after suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on February 1. Brighton now sit sixth, level on points with Chelsea, while Fulham remain ninth, trailing Brighton by four points.
With the race for European places heating up, Brighton’s resilience and recent form suggest they could be serious contenders for a top-four finish this season.
