Carlos Baleba curled in a surprising winner as Brighton scored twice within the closing 5 minutes to supply an unimaginable comeback with a 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Tomas Soucek had headed West Ham into the lead within the 83rd minute from an exquisite Jarrod Bowen cross after Mohammed Kudus had pulled them stage early within the second half, cancelling out Yasin Ayari’s excellent opener.
However substitute Kaoru Mitoma introduced Brighton stage with a close-range header of his personal within the 89th minute earlier than Baleba despatched the Amex Stadium wild, bending a shot into the left nook from 25 yards, which goalkeeper Alphonse Areola might solely stand and watch.
Brighton transfer as much as ninth, behind eight-placed Fulham solely on objective distinction, whereas West Ham keep seventeenth with their place within the Premier League secured for subsequent season after Ipswich grew to become the third facet to be relegated following their 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Potter rages after late West Ham defeat
West Ham boss Graham Potter made a depressing return to his former membership, having now received solely three of his 14 matches in cost, and confirmed his frustration in his post-match press convention.
He stated: “We did quite a bit properly within the sport however the ache in the intervening time is fairly onerous. The lads are devastated, we’re all devastated.
“We’re unable to maintain what we have to do to win video games within the Premier League in the intervening time. That is the fact. We have been in profitable positions or good positions for a number of video games and we have not been capable of maintain on for various causes.
“It’s a shame because there was lots of good things in the game, but I can’t really take any solace from the good things in the game because we’ve lost.
Tomas Soucek heads West Ham into the lead at Brighton
“We have to look at how we can support the players in the back end of the game, what substitutions we can make to maybe shut up shop or to change things. There’s always things we can do.
“However ultimately the gamers are there as properly. I am having to reply these questions however there are gamers on the pitch.”
‘I’m sick of talking about positives’
West Ham threw victory away having deservedly fought to be in front, as Potter answered the away supporters’ chants to bring on striker Niclas Fullkrug, who had been dropped to the bench after criticising his team-mates following their draw with Southampton last weekend, at half-time. Potter said afterwards his decision was not based on Fullkrug’s post-match outburst.
Fullkrug’s presence gave Kudus and Bowen the room either side of him to trouble Brighton’s makeshift defence, and it was far from West Ham’s worst performance, but the result sums up their season.
Brighton were there for the taking yet West Ham switched off after Soucek had given them the lead. The manner of the late Brighton goals will haunt Potter, who will want this season to end quickly.
Potter added: “There’s numerous positives however nobody desires to listen to positives. Would not matter. Sick of speaking about positives.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like I want to speak about anything positive because I’m in too much pain. But there were some, of course there were. There were lots.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates after equalising for West Ham at Brighton
“I’m not stupid but we’ve lost two goals that have gone in from 35 metres. Congratulations to Brighton. We’re suffering.
“I’ll be pissed off. After all I’m. I am not a robotic. I am a human being as properly. I stand there myself, give every thing to this, what I am doing.
“Of course I’m going to be upset. Of course I’m going to be frustrated. I have to come here and speak calmly to you guys. But that’s not how I’m feeling inside. If you want me to swear, I can swear.”
Hurzeler: It is a particular second
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler advised Sky Sports activities:
“I didn’t enjoy it because shortly before the end we were 2-2 and we wanted to win. But the moment when we scored was unbelievable. You saw the reaction from the players, crowd, the staff and fans, we really wanted to win. This was a special moment.
“You all the time must consider and belief your potential and that’s what the blokes did in the present day. That they had setbacks however reacted in the best approach. They stayed collectively, particularly the best way skipper Lewis [Dunk] led the crew was spectacular.”
