Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
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Brighton & Hove Albion provisionally climbed to sixth in the Premier League standings after they won 3-1 away to Southampton in a riveting Boxing Day clash.
A header from Adam Lallana and a stunning long-range strike by Solly March along with Romain Perraud’s own goal helped Brighton take their points tally to 24 - two more than seventh-placed Liverpool who play at Aston Villa later.
Brighton went ahead in the 15th minute when Lallana scored against his former club after he connected with March’s cross and sent his header into the net as goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu scuffed an easy save.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 35th minute after defender Perraud turned the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cross from Pervis Estupinan.
March made it 3-0 in the 55th minute with a sensational effort from outside the box after he cut in from the right side for a brilliant solo move. Brighton could have had a fourth goal shortly after but Kaoru Mitoma’s header went wide.
In the 73rd minute, Southampton were awarded a penalty for Pascal Gross’s foul on Samuel Edozie and although James Ward-Prowse’s spot-kick was stopped by keeper Robert Sanchez, the Southampton skipper nodded home on the rebound.
Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have had 78 per cent possession in these opening 20 minutes, a lot of it in Southampton's half. The Saints can't get near the ball.
Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
After a fairly even opening to the game, Brighton are starting to taking control. Southampton are on the back foot at the moment.
Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Lallana's opener was just his second headed goal in the Premier League, with his other coming for Liverpool against Middlesbrough in December 2016. The 34-year-old's not known for his heading ability, but he's been influential in these opening minutes for Brighton.
Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton tidily make their way upfield. Estupinan nearly threads the ball through to Trossard. Bazunu rushes out of his net to grab it.
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