Look on the Bright side
Brighton 3 West Ham 1: Jose Izquierdo curls in beauty to lift Seagulls three points clear of drop
Four goals of the highest quality at the Amex Stadium as Brighton moved level on points with the Hammers
JOSE IZQUIERDO’S stunning strike for Brighton ensured West Ham’s worries on and off the pitch continued at the Amex Stadium.
Javier Hernandez had cancelled out Glenn Murray’s early strike for the Hammers in the first half with a fine strike of his own.
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But the Seagulls’ Colombian winger topped his South American counterpart’s effort with a second half curling beauty into Adrian’s top corner.
Pascal Gross then added a third to hand Chris Hughton’s side their first win in the league since December.
The win sees Brighton move level on 27 points with West Ham in 13th and four from the drop.
A frustrated David Moyes watched his injury-laden squad slip to their first league loss in two months, in a week where he has had to deny a racist storm at the club following director of recruitment Tony Henry’s sacking.
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It was Hernandez who was at fault for Brighton’s opener in the seventh minute, as his loose flick sparked a counter for the home side.
Pascal Gross’ through ball found acres of space between the Hammers centre backs, as Murray slotted home one-on-one for his 10th of the season.
Brighton continued to press with Anthony Knockaert leading the line, but some poor finishing allowed the visitors back into the game.
Sam Byram fluffed a free header six-yards out from an Aaron Cresswell cross, cleared off the line by the impressive Shane Duffy.
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And on 30 minutes, Hernandez combined well with Mark Noble and Joao Mario on the edge of the box, before dribbling around two defenders and finding Matthew Ryan’s top corner.
But it was Brighton’s second half, as Izquierdo whacked a beauty from outside the box from a cleared corner on the hour mark.
Brighton player Jose Izquierdo scores an unbelievable goal against West Ham
His celebration said it all - running the length of the pitch and ripping his shirt off in pure delight.
And then Gross sealed the three points from outside the box with 15 minutes remaining – a solid strike that beat Adrian for power all ends up.
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INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on a player’s number below to see their stats
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